Shikhar Dhawan Highlights the Importance of Hardik Pandya in Team India

Jan 17, 2019 at 4:21 PM

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Shikhar Dhawan Highlights the Importance of Hardik Pandya in Team India

While speaking to media in Melbourne, Team India opening batsman Shikhar Dhawan acknowledged the fact that recently suspended all-rounder Hardik Pandya brings stability in the line-up. He further added Pandya had been a vital cog in the wheel for the Indian National Cricket Team.

“The balance that Hardik (Pandya) creates when he’s in the team is very crucial for our team,” Dhawan said on the eve of third and final ODI in Melbourne.

Recently, the 26-year-old Baroda-born all-rounder Pandya was suspended with immediate effect alongside teammate KL Rahul following the ‘sexist’ remarks on women.

However, Pandya has confined himself to a room according to his father, Himanshu. Pandya was part of the Team India squad in the series Down Under. But, as of now, he is replaced by Tamil Nadu’s promising all-rounder Vijay Shankar.

During the pre-match presser, the 33-year-old Dhawan has further pointed out the importance of Kedar Jadhav in the team. Jadhav, who has been known for picking the wickets with his unusual bowling action. Dhawan added such all-rounders hold vital importance in the traditional format.

“Even when Kedar (Jadhav) plays, the overs of off-spin he bowls are very beneficial for us…I would say he is our golden arm, and he always takes wickets when he comes on. So often, he’s broken a big partnership. An all-rounder in Tests and limited-overs’ cricket is equally important,” Dhawan stated.

Dhawan on his break from international fold:

Shikhar Dhawan, Team India
Shikhar Dhawan maintained he has enjoyed off-time. Photo Credit: Getty Images.

Dhawan, who is the part of the ongoing three-match One-day International series against Australia also shed light on his much-need break. He further expressed excitement on joining back the national team.

“I had 5-6 weeks off, and I was training hard. It was good because, looking forward to the World Cup, it was a good break for me. Now I’m happy to be back in the side, playing matches and raring to go,” Dhawan stated.

The left-handed batsman believes he is in the groove while adding Indian cricketers are not often used to get some time to take time off. Recently, in Sydney Dhawan returned to the pavilion without scoring a run and returned to Adelaide to score 32.

“I think my rhythm is there, the way I was hitting the ball. It is very important to take a break and feel fresh, which we Indian cricketers don’t get much of, so we’re not used to it,” Dhawan stated.

Dhawan enjoys batting with Rohit Sharma:

Shikhar Dhawan, Team India
Shikhar Dhawan cherishes to open an innings alongside Rohit Sharma. Photo Credit: Getty Images.

The batting partner for Rohit Sharma, Dhawan revealed he enjoys batting with the prominent batsman of the white-ball cricket.

“Batting with Rohit, it’s normal, comfortable and we both know what to do and what not to. Not much discussion is needed. We play on automatic mode and keep having fun with each other. There is a sense of calmness and peace,” Dhawan concluded.

As of now, the three-match series is tied at one each. The third OD will commence from January 18 at the MCG.

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