Punjab Kings (PBKS) wicketkeeper Prabhsimran Singh has credited former India opener Shikhar Dhawan for reviving his IPL career during the 2023 season. The 25-year-old has been associated with PBKS since making his IPL debut in 2019. In his first four seasons from 2019 to 2022, Prabhsimran featured in just six matches for the franchise.
However, after Dhawan assumed the captaincy in 2023, his fortunes took a turn for the better. The young batter played all 14 games in the 2023 season and notched his first IPL century against the Delhi Capitals (DC). He concluded the season with a remarkable 358 runs at a strike rate exceeding 150. Reflecting on his IPL revival in an interview with Crictracker, Prabhsimran stated:
“When Shikhar [Dhawan] paaji was appointed as the captain two years ago, he gave me the surety that I will play all the games. In the same season, I scored a century. It was a turning point in my career.”
The PBKS opener also acknowledged former India all-rounder Yuvraj Singh for his guidance, remarking:
“Yuvi paji has played a big role in my career. I always talk to him like a brother and not like a player. I, Abhishek, Naman Dhir and Nehal Wadhera practice with him. We had a 10-12 days of camp with him last time around. He knows very well on what exact things we’ve to work on. On weekly basis, I get to speak with him. He has supported me a lot,” added Prabhsimran Singh.
“I Haven’t Achieved Anything Like Him”- Prabhsimran Singh On MS Dhoni Comparison
Prabhsimran Singh revealed that he felt thrilled when former Chennai Super Kings (CSK) opener Matthew Hayden compared him to the legendary MS Dhoni. However, the 25-year-old also admitted that he still has a long journey ahead before he can truly be mentioned alongside Dhoni.
“It feels good to always get compared. MS Dhoni has done a lot for the country. I haven’t been able to do anything compared to him. But, I would love to do a lot. At the end of the day if anyone compares you to a big player, it feels good and you also realize that you have the ability within you,” said Prabhsimran Singh (via the aforementioned source).
When inquired about the cricketers he admires, the wicketkeeper stated:
“From the start, for me it is Virender Sehwag and Adam Gilchrist. When I started playing cricket, I used to watch Sehwag’s batting a lot on YouTube. I used to play a lot of attacking cricket. My coach used to say that my batting style resembles Sehwag’s. I like his batting a lot. If I get a chance, I would love to meet him and practice with him.”
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