Punjab's Large Dependence on Shikhar Dhawan is a Concern: Harbhajan Singh

image-lgow31snShikhar Dhawan has scored 233 runs [AP Photo]

With three wins and two losses, the Punjab Kings (PBKS) are fifth in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 points packed with other teams on six points. Much of Punjab's batting has revolved around skipper Shikhar Dhawan, who has amassed 233 runs in four matches.

Dhawan missed the Kings' last match against the Lucknow Super Giants due to an injury, where IPL's highest-priced player Sam Curran captained the side. Ahead of PBKS' match against Royal Challenger Bangalore (RCB) today at Mohali, former Indian player Harbhajan Singh has highlighted the franchise's weaknesses.

Speaking to Star Sports, the former off-spinner urged other Punjab batters to take responsibility and rely less on Dhawan, who's comeback is unsure for today's encounter.

Here's what Bhajji said

"The Punjab side seems is largely dependent on their captain Shikhar Dhawan in the batting department, which is a concern. While depending on one player, you can win two or three matches but you cannot win a tournament like IPL. The rest of Punjab players will have to support their captain and take responsibility if they wish to go forward."

The second-best batter in PBKS this season is Prabhsimran Singh with 87 runs, with Sikandar Raza and Jitesh Sharma joint-third with 79 runs, while the likes of Sam Curran Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Shahrukh Khan, and Matthew Short are all below them. 

Apart from Dhawan, PBKS are fretting over Liam Livingstone's availability, who joined the squad ahead of their match against RCB last week.