PANAJI
Former India cricketer Shikhar Dhawan praised the World Legends Pro T20 League for bringing together quality players from across the world.
“The league is doing very, very good. It has brought all the legends together,” he said, while highlighting the strong turnout across venues, with fans travelling from different parts of the country to watch the matches.
“I love coming to Goa, enjoying playing cricket, the bike rides, the breeze, walking on the beach, everything,” Dhawan said.
Dhawan is among the players participating in the World Legends Pro T20 League being held at the 1919 Sportz Cricket Stadium in Verna.
Leading from the front, Dhawan took his side Dubai Royals first to the semi-finals and then to the finals.
His side Dubai Royals were struggling at the bottom of the points table. But, in the crucial do-or-die match against Maharashtra Tycoons, Shikhar scored a classic knock of 99 not out off 48 balls which included 9 sixes and 4 fours to take his side to the semis with a three-wicket win.
Reflecting on his knock, Dhawan expressed satisfaction with his return to form. “I was timing the ball well earlier but couldn’t make a big score. I kept my calm and played my game, and the memories are refreshed,” he said.
“The wicket quality has been very good for the whole tournament. Credit goes to the ground’s men, curators and the management,” he added.
In the semi-finals against Delhi Warriors, Dhawan once again played a superb knock by scoring 71 off 46 balls which included 2 sixes and 7 fours. His innings enabled his side to a 16 run-win and set up a finale clash against Pune Panthers.
“It’s a very good feeling. We played a really good match today and the way the team responded under pressure made me very happy. Reaching the final is always special.”
“As a captain, it feels great to contribute consistently with the bat. I’ve been playing for many years and I’m very satisfied with how things are shaping up for the team, ” Shikhar said.
Ahead of the final against Pune Panthers, he said “Preparation for the final is simple – good rest and staying fresh. Practice is important, but recovery matters just as much. We’ll be ready.”
