Reports: Shikhar Dhawan set to play for Kings XI Punjab in IPL 2019

India opening batsman Shikhar Dhawan looks all set to move from Sunrisers Hyderabad to Kings XI Punjab for the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Dhawan was bought by Sunrisers Hyderabad for an amount of Rs 5.2 Crore and it seems that his salary is being doubled at KXIP. He is likely to swap places with Karun Nair who couldn’t perform to the expectations last season.

Dhawan’s possible move to KXIP comes close on the heels of a report that he could be going back to his former team, the Mumbai Indians, for the upcoming edition. The left-hander reportedly had issues with the team management regarding his retention and his position in the side. This move could have seen him open with his Team India partner Rohit Sharma, which would come as a big boost for the Mumbai franchise.

But at the same time, if Dhawan joins the KXIP setup, he would open the innings with KL Rahul, who’s opened the batting with him in Tests on several occasions. The latter was purchased by the Punjab-based franchise for a huge amount of Rs 11 Crore and delivered for his side as he finished third on the list of highest run-getters during the 2018 season.

How are the teams shaping up so far?

An official announcement regarding Dhawan’s move is expected to be made soon as the transfer window ends shortly according to a report in the Times of India. The Mumbai Indians have already roped in Quinton de Kock, who was released by the Royal Challengers Bangalore last week. The franchise has also released Mustafizur Rahman and Akila Dananjaya ahead of the auction for the upcoming season.

Meanwhile, the Sunrisers Hyderabad could possibly let go of Manish Pandey as the right-handed batsman failed to do justice to the 11 crore price tag against his name. He managed to score just 284 runs in 13 innings before being dropped from the playing XI.

As per recent reports, the auction for the upcoming season will take place on December 16 in Goa, instead of being held in Bangalore which has been the favoured venue for the last 11 years.

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