Synopsis
Rishi Dhawan shines in the Legend 90 League, balancing fatherhood and cricket. Recently retired, he has excelled for Chhattisgarh Warriors, showcasing his skills with impressive performances, including match-winning contributions and outstanding partnerships.Key Takeaways
- Rishi Dhawan makes a notable impact in Legend 90 League.
- Welcomed a baby girl just before the tournament.
- Delivered match-winning performances for Chhattisgarh Warriors.
- Expressed excitement about the league and its unique format.
- Highlighted the importance of fan support and local backing.
Raipur (Chhattisgarh), Feb 11 (NationPress) Rishi Dhawan, the former Indian all-rounder, has made a remarkable entrance for the Chhattisgarh Warriors in the ongoing Legend 90 League hosted here. Recently retired from domestic limited-overs matches, this marks Dhawan's debut tournament for retired cricketers, and he has quickly demonstrated that he still possesses significant talent.
Dhawan's path to the Legend 90 League has been noteworthy for several reasons. Just weeks ahead of his debut, he and his wife, Deepali, welcomed a baby girl into their family. As he navigates this new chapter, he has already made impactful contributions to his team.
In his inaugural match, Dhawan took to the crease as an opener, delivering an explosive 50 runs off just 24 balls against the Dubai Giants. He followed this up with an impressive bowling display, claiming three wickets to steer his team to a decisive 63-run victory.
Dhawan continued his excellent form in the following match against Big Boys Unikari, participating in a record-setting performance. The Warriors achieved a staggering total of 240 runs without losing a wicket, with Martin Guptill dazzling the crowd with an extraordinary 160 not out from just 49 balls. Meanwhile, Dhawan contributed significantly with an unbeaten 76 runs off 42 balls, forming a historic partnership. The Warriors secured a commanding 89-run victory, consolidating their strength in the tournament.
Reflecting on his debut, Rishi Dhawan shared his enthusiasm for being part of the Legend 90 League. “It felt fantastic to participate in this league for the first time. Making my debut and aiding the team's success was truly special. The ambiance, the pitch, and the facilities are top-notch, and I’m delighted to have played a role in our victory,” he remarked.
Even though he has stepped away from domestic white-ball cricket, Dhawan highlighted the significance of tournaments like these, which enable former players to remain engaged in the sport.
“Continuing to play cricket post-retirement is wonderful. It keeps you physically fit and nurtures that bond with the game. Regardless of the time that passes, cricket is always a part of you. Playing occasionally like this is a fantastic way to stay involved,” he asserted.
The unique structure of the Legend 90 League has also piqued his interest. “The format is intriguing and significantly different. It demands mental acuity due to the added batting Power-play and bowling constraints. The pace of the game is so rapid that you often lack clarity on what a winning score should be over 90 balls. However, as we gain more experience, we will adapt,” Dhawan mentioned.
The all-rounder also recognized the support from the home crowd, as the Chhattisgarh Warriors represent the local team. “The backing from fans has been extraordinary. It’s encouraging to see people attending and cheering for us. As the home team, the local support enhances the overall experience,” he noted.
With three victories in three matches, the Chhattisgarh Warriors are currently at the top of the points table.
