IPL 2018, Match 42: Shikhar Dhawan reveals there was “no chat with Kane Williamson” during match-winning stand vs DD

Match 42 of VIVO IPL 2018 saw a masterclass from Delhi Daredevils‘ (DD) Rishabh Pant (128* in 63 balls). DD, struggling at 52 for 2 after 10 overs, reached 187 for 7 against a shell-shocked Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) attack. However, an unbeaten 176-run stand between Shikhar Dhawan and Kane Williamson (who scored his sixth fifty of the season) helped SRH ease to a 9-wicket victory. SRH also become the first side to make it to the Playoffs in the ongoing season. Meanwhile, DD, though mathematically in hunt for the top four, are very much out of contention.

Prior to this knock, Dhawan had a solitary fifty in IPL 2018, against Rajasthan Royals (RR) at home. His return to form will be SRH’s biggest positive from this encounter. Speaking on his mammoth stand with skipper Williamson, Dhawan revealed there was no chat between them. Also, he pointed out that home advantage worked for him this evening.

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Over to Gabbar

“The Gabbar was always there (on his return to form) — Yes! He’s back (smiles). Rishabh played an amazing knock, he took the game away from us. But we believed that we’ll go in with a positive mindset. I have played lots of cricket over here (at Kotla). I am glad that I scored 92 runs and I am looking forward to score more runs.

“There was no chat between us (himself and Williamson), we were doing our job. Kane has been playing brilliantly throughout this season and I was just in the flow, had to go for it. That’s my class (bursts into laughter).”

With this win, SRH become the first side to make it to the next round. They are sitting at the top with 18 points. DD, on the other hand, have 3 games left, all at home, and need a miracle to proceed forward in the tournament.

You cannot help but feel for Pant and DD’s ever-smiling owner Kiran Gandhi.