Test Call-Up Double Delight For Shikhar Dhawan
Jul 28, 2017 at 5:34 PM
Shikhar Dhawan, who has been a prominent face for Team India in the limited-overs set-up, in the recent past, has expressed his satisfaction to be the part of Test team which is currently in Sri Lanka for the ongoing three-match Test series that has kicked off on July 26 at Galle International Stadium. (Read Here: Sri Lanka vs India 2017, 1st Test: Fit-Again KL Rahul Joins Indian Team In Galle, Set To Play Second Test).
“I was happy, of course, to make a comeback to the Test side. Unfortunately, [Murali] Vijay wasn’t fit. I had a good run before this Test series (in the Champions Trophy),” Dhawan was quoted as saying by PTI.
Dhawan, who revealed he was hurt after being ignored in Test cricket, is optimistic to take the fresh challenge in a bid to cement his spot in the five-day format following lean patch during his Test career.
The 31-year-old Delhi-born batsman Dhawan stated the destiny has an important role to play in everyone’s lives, as he’s fortunate to be the part of a contingent under the dynamic leadership of Virat Kohli.
“That was my plan, but I think destiny had a different plan for me. I am happy and thankful to God,” said the opener,” Dhawan stated.
After planning to hit the nets in Melbourne, Dhawan touched down in Colombo to rack up his highest Test score of 190 from 168 balls on the very first day of the first Test in Galle while battering the hosts’ bowlers led by Rangana Herath.
“My plans were to go to Melbourne and spend time with my family, do training and get fit for the ODI series,” Dhawan added.
It’s pertinent to mention, the century against Sri Lanka was his second and fifth overall. He smashed a century in 2015 at the same venue.
“Special about this venue is that I am scoring runs over here. So that is a special thing for me,” Dhawan further added.
The left-handed batsman Dhawan came in as a replacement for regular Test opener Murali Vijay, who was ruled out of the series after picking up wrist injury prior to the start of the series.
“I just came with the same mindset and the same confidence. I did the same process in the nets and got myself ready for this match,” Dhawan revealed.
Interestingly, following the last minute inclusion of Dhawan, the star performer for Men in Blue in the recently concluded Champions Trophy revealed he was enjoying a vacation in Hong Kong, before flying to Sri Lanka.
“I was in Hong Kong actually, on holiday, and from there I flew back to India and joined the team,” Dhawan concluded.
Coming to the conclusion, Dhawan has vowed to have a focus on his fitness while stating he is trying improving his game.
Dhawan has featured in 23 Tests for India in which he has amassed 1,464 runs at an average of 38.52. He smashed four hundreds and three fifties.