Shikhar Dhawan, the flamboyant left-handed opening batsman, has been a consistent performer in the Indian Premier League (IPL) throughout his career. With his aggressive stroke play and ability to dominate the opposition bowlers, Dhawan has played some remarkable innings that have left fans and pundits in awe.
Here are the top five best innings of Shikhar Dhawan in IPL history:
1. 97 off 63 balls vs. Kings XI Punjab (2011):
In the inaugural edition of the IPL, representing the Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals), Dhawan played a scintillating knock against the Kings XI Punjab. Chasing a target of 143, Dhawan anchored the innings beautifully, smashing 13 boundaries and one six. Despite missing out on a century, his innings helped the Daredevils secure a comfortable victory.
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2. 106 off 61 balls vs. Chennai Super Kings (2012):
Playing for the Deccan Chargers (now defunct), Dhawan showcased his brilliance with a magnificent century against the mighty Chennai Super Kings. His innings was a blend of elegance and power as he dispatched the bowlers all around the park, hitting 12 boundaries and six sixes. Dhawan's century laid the foundation for the Chargers' massive total of 190 and ultimately led them to victory.
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3. 95 off 57 balls vs. Kolkata Knight Riders (2019):
Representing the Sunrisers Hyderabad, Dhawan produced a masterclass against the Kolkata Knight Riders. Chasing a challenging target of 183, Dhawan took the attack to the opposition from the very beginning. His innings was filled with exquisite stroke play, including 10 fours and two sixes. Although he fell short of a century, his knock proved pivotal in guiding the Sunrisers to a convincing win.
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4. 106 off 61 balls vs. Kings XI Punjab (2020):
In the 2020 edition of the IPL, Dhawan etched his name in the history books by becoming the first batsman to score consecutive centuries in the tournament. Facing the Kings XI Punjab, Dhawan was in a league of his own as he hammered the bowlers to all parts of the ground. His innings included 12 fours and three sixes, propelling the Delhi Capitals to a colossal total of 164. It was an innings of sheer dominance and finesse.
5. 92 off 50 balls vs. Rajasthan Royals (2018):
Representing the Sunrisers Hyderabad, Dhawan played a brilliant knock against the Rajasthan Royals in 2018. Batting first, Dhawan showcased his range of shots and unleashed his attacking prowess. His innings comprised 9 boundaries and 4 sixes, helping the Sunrisers post a commanding total of 151. Despite his heroics, the Royals managed to win the game, but Dhawan's innings was a standout performance.
Shikhar Dhawan's IPL career has been studded with several remarkable innings, and these five knocks stand out as some of his best. His ability to dominate the bowlers, find gaps in the field, and play crucial innings under pressure has made him one of the most respected and admired opening batsmen in the history of the IPL.
