Punjab Kings’ seamer Rishi Dhawan gave a flying kiss send off to Gujarat Titans skipper and their best batsman in the tournament, Hardik Pandya, putting his side on the top of the Titans at the DY Patil Stadium on Tuesday evening.
After a powerplay in which Punjab got rid of both Gujarat openers, Shubman Gill and Wriddhiman Saha for the score of 42, they needed to keep the in-form Hardik Pandya in check. They attained that desire with the help of a brilliant delivery from Rishi Dhawan in his first over of the match as continued a superb return to the IPL after a wait of 6 long years.
Having scored just 1 run off his first 6 deliveries, Pandya wanted to get going but failed to middle his poke to a delivery from Rishi Dhawan that was outside off stump and pitched on a perfect length to not have the batter either committing forward or going on the back foot.
The ball seamed away off the pitch slightly, just so slightly to induce a false shot from who was looking to nudge it away on the offside but managed an outside edge which wicket-keeper Jitesh Sharma pouched easily. It was a big wicket for Punjab Kings as Pandya has been in good touch with the bat this season and could have played a lengthy knock had he got settled in.
Rishi Dhawan, who was wearing his face shield, and PBKS skipper along with their teammates were elated to see the back of the Gujarat skipper. On his way to a screaming celebration, Rishi celebrated a bit animatedly, giving away a couple of flying kisses Hardik Pandya’s way, followed by some air fists.
You can watch the video here:
— Addicric (@addicric) May 3, 2022
