We will miss Shikhar Dhawan – Kumar Sangakkara

Excited about the sixth edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL), Kumar Sangakkara, the Sunrisers Hyderabad skipper, is optimistic about his team’s chances in the event but the wicketkeeper/batsman is disappointed to have lost the services of Shikhar Dhawan.

The 27-year-old left-handed batsman made his Test debut last month against Australia and stunned the cricket fans by smashing a brilliant 187 in his very first innings at the highest stage of the game. The opening batsman, however, injured his hand while fielding in Australia’s second innings and was not available to bat for the rest of the match.

Dhawan is still not hundred percent and is not likely to take part in the opening few games of the 6^th season of the IPL.

Sangakkara desperately needed Dhawan’s services, with the left-hander in the form of his life at the moment. However, the former Sri Lankan captain claims that his side has enough depth to fill the void left by the stylish opening batsman.

“I think it is a huge loss,” Sangakkara said. “I watched him scoring that magnificent century for India against Australia in his debut Test. But, we have replacements who are probably good enough to do the job and we are excited to give that opportunity to a younger guy.”

It is most likely that Parthiv Patel, the discarded Test wicketkeeper/batsman is going to open the innings with the skipper in Dhawan’s absence. Patel is keen to make an impression and is confident about his batting skills.

“If you look at my career, I batted in almost every position. I am ready for any challenge,” Patel said.

There are a number of brilliant teams in the tournament and it is hard to predict a favourite. Sangakkara, however, wants his side to work hard and play with a positive frame of mind.

“We just want to keep things as simple as possible, play some good cricket, be very competitive in this tournament and then once we played the first match, then we will understand more, probably better, where we are at the moment and build from there again,” he added.

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Posted by Yasir Hashmi on Apr 5 2013. Filed under Sports. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.