India limited-overs opener Shikhar Dhawan is in heavy demand ahead of the 2019 edition of the IPL if reports are to be believed.
According to a report by the Times of India, the Sunrisers Hyderabad star could be set to move to Kings XI Punjab in a trade which could see Karun Nair going the other way.
IPL franchises have been given until November 15 to retain and trade players they wish to release. Mumbai Indians have made the first big move by roping in South Africa wicketkeeper batsman Quinton de Kock from Royal Challengers Bangalore. The franchise had released Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman and Sri Lanka spinner Akila Dananjaya to cover the costs of De Kock’s purchase.
Earlier reports had stated that Mumbai were interested in bringing in Dhawan too, but it seems like Kings XI have moved ahead in that race.
Kings XI could use Karun Nair in the Dhawan trade.
Dhawan had scored 497 runs at an average of over 38 for Sunrisers last season with the help of four half-centuries. His overall IPL record has seen him register 4,058 runs in 143 matches at an average of 33.26 and a strike-rate of 123.53. The India man has a whopping 32 half-centuries to his name.
Although he has plenty of IPL experience, Dhawan’s likely departure from Sunrisers will not be too big a loss for the franchise with Australia’s David Warner set to return for the 2019 edition.
Warner was all set to lead Hyderabad in the 2018 edition before the ball-tampering scandal saw the left-hander sit out the entire tournament.
