Shikhar Dhawan in action for Dubai Royals.
PANAJI
Stepping up with noteworthy scores when he was needed the most, captain Shikhar Dhawan played a pivotal part in the revival of his franchise, Dubai Royals' fortunes to eventually emerge the champions at the World Legends Pro T20 League 2026 in Verna on Wednesday.
The seasoned former India opener led from the front with three consecutive match-winning fifties, 99* (48b, 4x4, 9x6) v Maharashtra Tycoons in their last league fixture, 71 (46b, 7x4, 2x6) v Delhi Warriors in the semi-final and 64 (39b, 6x4, 2x6) v Pune Panthers in the final that also won him the Legend of the Match award as many times. In the tournament, Shikhar amassed 267 runs at a strike rate of 173.4.
Speaking at the end of the tournament, Dhawan appreciated the overall vibe that the new league, played at the 1919 Sportz Cricket Stadium in Verna, provided.
“I enjoyed playing the league. It was well-organised, I loved the intensity, quality of players and the pitches are also good. I congratulate the curator. The standard set by the league is very good,” remarked the dashing southpaw former India opener.
Meanwhile, Dubai Royals Head Coach, Wasim Jaffer, said things began to look up for the Dubai Royals from their virtual quarter-final in their last league fixture against the Maharashtra Tycoons.
“...I thought the last league game was like a quarter-final for us. Shikhar’s knock of 99* was what we needed from somebody at the top, to get runs and from thereon I think he was switched on in the game, and he continued (scoring runs) and here we are with the trophy,” Jaffer stated.
Acknowledging that their side took their time to get into their groove, Shikhar said, “At the start, especially our team did not do well. We were very rusty, but when you play this sort of league, it gives a great opportunity for players to go back and practice more because of the values the league provides. They should keep themselves fit.”
To another question, on trying to perform on continuous days as a retired player on a crammed schedule, the wit of Shikhar came to the fore. “Challenges are my knees pain, my toes pain,” he joked. On a more serious note, he maintained he is a very fit person. “I play a lot of table tennis at home. I play golf too,” Shikhar divulged.
“Of course, we are humans. With age we get slower and rusty as well, but now we are like diesel engines. After one or two matches, we get into that momentum and rhythm,” the 40-year-old former India opener said.
