The eighth match of IPL 2023 was played between Punjab Kings and Rajasthan Royals on April 5. In this match held in Guwahati, Punjab defeated Rajasthan by 5 runs in a close match. Batting first, Shikhar Dhawan’s side scored 197 runs for 4 wickets. Chasing the target of 198 runs for the win, Sanju Samson’s side could score 192 runs for 7 wickets in the stipulated 20 overs. Former cricketer Yusuf Pathan has given the reaction of him in this nearby Rajasthan bar. He says that if Devdutt Padikkal had opened, the result of the match would have been different. This is the second consecutive win for Punjab Kings in IPL 2023.
Speaking to ESPNcricinfo, Yusuf Pathan said he was surprised to see Devdutt Padikkal not start the innings. If he had started the innings, the result might have been different. Padikkal, who came to bat at number four, struggled. He was able to score 21 runs off 26 balls. According to Yusuf Pathan, ‘I was surprised to see Ravichandran Ashwin’s opening. I expected Padikkal to open. But team management got Ashwin to open. Had Padikkal started the innings, the result might have been different. Because he’s been playing new ball for many years. His numbers as a starter are much better than at number 4.
During this, former cricketer Yusuf Pathan praised Punjab Kings opener Prabhsimran Singh. He said: ‘He is worthy of praise. His association with Shikhar Dhawan was crucial. Both players shared a 90-run partnership for the first wicket. Prabhasimran came out after scoring 60 runs from 34 balls. According to Yusuf Pathan, ‘Prabhsimran Singh deserves congratulations. The kind of shots he played and the good early partnership he had with Shikhar Dhawan was impressive.
