This man has been a serious player, a gun player: Ravi Shastri lauds Shikhar Dhawan

The Punjab Kings (PBKS) put a damper on Chennai Super Kings' (CSK) dreams of making it to the Indian Premier League (IPL) playoffs as they defeated their opponents by 11 runs last night. Star batter Shikhar Dhawan stole the spotlight as he drove his team to victory with a brilliant unbeaten knock of 88 runs. He was named the man of the match, and with it, Dhawan took 3rd place in the contention for the Armaco Orange Cap. 

The clash between PBKS and CSK was Shikhar's 200th IPL appearance, and at the same, he became just the third Indian after Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to cross 9000 runs in T20 cricket. He also became the first player to hit more than 1000 runs against the four-time IPL champions.

Former Indian head coach Ravi Shastri was thoroughly impressed by Shikhar's batting stint and how he spoke in the post-match presentation ceremony. In the post-match ceremony, Shikhar stated that he guides and advises young players who tend to overthink.

"This man (Shikhar Dhawan) has been a serious player, you know, right in between them when he has been fit, and he deserves all the accolades... 6000 IPL runs, 200th (IPL) game, man-of-the-match, finishing it off in style and like he said he has started advising youngsters now.. and I know Shikhi...he might be calling them and playing the flute... I hope he plays the flute for a long time." Said Shastri.

"It shows the way he has adapted himself over the years. I call him a gun player because, in this country, most of the accolades have gone to Virat (Kohli) and Rohit (Sharma)," added Shastri.

Both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are having a tumultuous time in the IPL, with both the superstars struggling for form as they try to live up to the established expectations. 

Rohit Sharma captained IPL franchise Mumbai Indians have lost consecutively in 8 matches, so far this season. The skipper has also registered a record for most ducks in the IPL. Whereas Virat Kohli, even after giving up his captaincy, has been unable to regain his form.  

The spotlight is on Shikhar Dhawan at the moment, and he will be a front runner in the contention for the Indian T20 World Cup squad. And will also play a crucial role in the Punjab Kings' journey.

The stylish left-hander stated that he is currently only focusing on his process and fitness. However, he stated that he keeps working on his skills and doesn't worry about the results.