IPL 2022: Why is Rishi Dhawan wearing a mask while bowling vs CSK?

Rishi Dhawan featured for the first time in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) season for Punjab Kings (PBKS) on Monday (April 25). He also played an IPL game for the first time since 2016. Having made his debut in the cash-rich league in 2013, he had featured for Punjab Kings (then Kings XI Punjab) as well the last time. While he didn’t get to bat in the game, the all-rounder made the headlines with the ball for wearing a mask while bowling for the side.

He wore a mask which left many wondering the reason for it. For the unversed, Rishi Dhawan played in the Ranji Trophy before the IPL commenced and he got hit on his face during the second round of matches. He was also taken to hospitals for scans. For the same reason, he was unavailable to play in the first four matches for PBKS as well.

Rishi Dhawan underwent surgery on his nose after being hit and to protect it from further damage, he is understood to be using the mask while bowling. Interestingly, even in the nets, he practiced with his mask on. PBKS posted a video on its official Twitter handle ahead of the game against CSK in which Rishi Dhawan revealed the reason for his absence from the initial part of the IPL.

Here’s the video:

Rishi Dhawan played his 27th IPL match after a gap of almost six years

Rishi Dhawan had played his last IPL game back in May 2016 and made his comeback after a gap of almost six years. He has been in very good form in the domestic circuit as well and was in contention to play for India too during the home season earlier this year. Looking at his form, PBKS secured his services for an amount of INR 55 lakh in the mega auction. Rishi Dhawan managed to make his comeback memorable as well picking up a wicket in the second over of his spell.

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