The nine-month exile from the Test team paid off for Shikhar Dhawan as the left-handed batsman played a stunning knock of 190 runs on the first day of the opening Test against Sri Lanka at Galle. The left-handed batsman, who was the highest run-scorer in this year’s Champions Trophy, was initially not in the squad and was recalled after Murali Vijay pulled out of the tour due to a wrist injury. Dhawan would have still struggled to get into the Test team as KL Rahul and Abhinav Mukund were looking set to open innings but the Delhi-born batsman got a lucky when Rahul was ruled out due to flu and made the most of the chance.
Barring the chance he offered to Asela Gunaratne in slips when he was batting on just 31, Dhawan didn’t put a foot wrong throughout the innings, hitting a staggering 31 fours to score 190 off just 168 balls to not only put Sri Lanka on the back foot but also provided the base for India to put up a big total on board. Dhawan was very well complimented by Cheteshwar Pujara who after the former’s departure has kept India on track for a huge score with an unbeaten knock of 144. India were 399 for 3 at the end of the day with Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane (39) holding firm.
Dhawan attended the post-day presser and spoke on various topics ranging from the zone he was in on Day 1, his plans against spin and more.
Excerpts:
On his plans after West Indies tour:
My plan was to go to Melbourne and enjoy time with my family and do training and get fit for one-day series. I was in Hong Kong on a holiday and from there I came to India and joined the team. That was my plan but destiny had a different plan for me. I am happy and thankful to God.
On whether he got enough time to prepare for the series:
I was happy to make a comeback into the Test side, unfortunately, Vijay wasn’t fit. I had a good run in the one-day series before this, I just came with same mindset and confidence. I did the same process in the nets and got myself ready.
On whether this was his most fluent Test knock yet:
My debut innings was more like this one. Even against Bangladesh, I scored a quick hundred. But this one was better than that. Wicket is also good and there wasn’t much spin. There was true bounce and pace from the wicket. I feel I batted well too.
On mindset after being dropped:
I knew if I won’t score runs I could get out of the team. Of course, I felt pressure at that moment. When I got out of the side, it hurt me. But I moved on and started playing domestic cricket with Delhi team and was enjoying myself there. One thing about me is that I don’t like to be sad all the time and stay happy. I knew if things have to come they will come my way.
On whether he intentionally attacked the spinners:
See there wasn’t much of turn so I thought I can attack the spinners more. I saw it as an opportunity and planned.
On whether he was disappointed to miss the double century:
Of course I was disappointed that I got out on 190 and missed a double hundred. I got out at the wrong time, it was just last over (before Tea). The way I was playing, I thought I could clear the mid-off fielder. I was almost hitting boundary every over. I was in that zone and just backed myself. Bit disappointed that couldn’t score 200 but happy that I scored 190.