Axing from T20I side hurt Shikhar Dhawan
Jan 30, 2019 at 3:28 PM
Inconsistency is often an undesired quality, which proves to be a hurdle for any batsman. The case with flamboyant Indian opener Shikhar Dhawan is no different. The Delhi dasher has been a phenomenal ODI player and his record is just a proof of how lethal he can be in the particular format. But in tests and T20I’s, Dhawan hasn’t lived up to his expectation. His numbers in the mentioned formats are far from justifying his potential as a match winner.
The recent two match T20I series in USA was an entertaining affair as India and West Indies played some delightful cricket. However, the trip to USA was a disappointing one for Dhawan, as the southpaw was axed for the two games. The management opted to give Ajinkya Rahane a go and that didn’t pay off. On the sidelines of the Duleep Trophy final, Dhawan admitted that he was hurt to be dropped.
“I feel my motivation always increases even when things don’t go well for me,” Dhawan said. “Sure, it does hurt me, but I channel the hurt to keep getting better; I don’t let it bog me down. That’s how I work. “Like, when I was left out for the T20s – of course I wanted to be in the playing XI. So, that required me to do better. So, I thought, ‘OK man, I have to raise my standards. As simple as that.’ I don’t look outside; I look inside and say, ‘I will have to do this, I will do it.'”
The left hander quickly added that the performance of opener KL Rahul was a positive sign for the team. “Rahul, anyway has done quite well in Test matches and T20s, so if you look at the bigger picture it’s very good for Team India that there are three or four openers pushing one another, as well as openers in the domestic circuit who are also pushing for places. Such competition ensures each individual keeps working hard,” said Dhawan.
Dhawan concluded by acknowledging the fact that Kumble’s presence in the team made a great difference. “It’s been great having Anil bhai around. Of course, he is a great legend,” he said. “He is so well educated and obviously has a sharp brain. He has great cricketing intelligence as well, so you obviously learn a lot for him – be it the dedication and hard grind he brought to his game, or the aggressive mindset with which he played,” Dhawan said.