In light of the fact that his last Test was in 2018 and his last T20I was in 2021. India’s opening batter Shikhar Dhawan discussed playing only one format for India during the past several seasons. He has now been passed over for both formats while keeping his berth in ODIs. Along with this, even serving as captain several times.
India defeated the West Indies 3-0 most recently in the 50-over format under Shikhar’s captaincy. Along with this, India also won the ODI series in Sri Lanka 2-1. In a few days, Dhawan will again be seen dawning the Captain’s cape for the three-match ODI series in Zimbabwe. The 37-year-old seems to have made peace just being an ODI choice for BCCI.
“Till the time I am playing for India, I would like to be an asset and not a liability. I am a calm, mature person. The performance is a reflection of my experience. My basics have been pretty strong and I have put in a lot of work to improve my technique. Understanding a format is also very important. I understand the dynamics of the ODI format and that has helped me a lot.”
In an interview with PTI, Dhawan said.
“I never let this feeling creep into my system that “Oh God, I am playing only one format or I am playing an ODI series after a long time. Will my body respond well to the rigours of international cricket or will it not? Frankly speaking, I don’t like entertaining these thoughts. I view it like this. If I am playing a format after a gap of two months or three months, it always gives me a chance to remain fresh and come into battle fully fit, and with enough time to work on my game,”
He Added.
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“I think now, at 36, I am fitter than ever before, and also skill-wise, I have gotten better. Gym sessions, skill sessions, running and yoga, these four things are core aspects of my training,”
HE ADDED.
Shikhar Dhawan will soon be leading India in an away series in Zimbabwe and is also likely to lead against South Africa at home in October. He completely understands that it is a makeshift role, but the veteran of 155 ODIs with nearly 6500 runs is enjoying every moment of it.
“As a leader, my first instinct is to go with a bowler’s plan. I ask them what’s the plan and what exactly would they want in the fielding set-up. At the highest level, everyone is a hardcore professional, who is there because they know their job well. As a leader, when you start interacting with players, after a passage of time, you get a fair idea of how they react to situations.”
Shikhar also said that he communicates with fellow opener and regular India captain Rohit Sharma and also Rahul Dravid, the head coach of the team.
“Obviously, I speak to Rohit as he is the main leader. So when it comes to continuity, you need to discuss and consult with him. The team’s vision is paramount for all of us. It’s always a two-way street between captain and coach, and the same is the case between me and Rahul Bhai. Whatever decision is taken is a collective one,”
DHAWAN CONCLUDED.
