Shreyas Iyer, who will captain his franchise Delhi Capitals (DC), has an open mind and can learn from teammates including juniors, according to opener Shikhar Dhawan. The southpaw has exuded confidence that his IPL franchise can win the elusive Indian Premier League (IPL) trophy in the upcoming season slated to begin from September 19 in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Dhawan recently maintained he has a faith in his body to fight COVID-19.
The Delhi Capitals have a strong enough team consisting of batting stalwarts Ajinkya Rahane, Shikhar Dhawan, Shreyas Iyer, Prithvi Shaw, Rishabh Pant and West Indian Shimron Hetmyer apart from uncapped Australian Daniel Sams.
Also, their pace bowling will be led by speedster Kagiso Rabada, Keemo Paul, Anrich Nortje, Mohit Sharma and Ishant Sharma. Besides, Amit Mishra, Sandeep Lamichhane, Axar Patel and Ravichandran Ashwin form a creditable spin attack who could prove a threat on the slow tracks in UAE.
Shreyas Iyer Praised By Shikhar Dhawan For Having An Open Mind
Delhi Capitals success last year was credited to the overall team performances and dynamic captaincy from Shreyas Iyer, and Shikhar Dhawan believes the addition of more experienced brains will only help the young captain.
“Last season he (Iyer) led in a very nice manner, and with (Ravichandran) Ashwin, Ajinkya (Rahane) coming in with their experience, I think they will share their insights, and it can be really helpful for the team. I think Shreyas has an open mind to learn from both seniors and juniors, and he will lead us in the right way,” Shikhar Dhawan said.
Commenting on how Delhi Capitals’ depth in the spin department can help during the season, the opener said with wickets expected to get slower, the bowlers will come in handy but the focus will be on all departments.
“As a team, we are looking forward to the tournament. We are confident that we are going to take the cup this season,” Shikhar Dhawan added.
“With only three venues being used and lots of matches happening, I think during the course of the season, wickets will turn and get slower, and that’s where our great spinners in Ashwin, Sandeep, Amit, and Axar will help us. The whole team has to play well – that is our focus, and if we are able to do that, we can become champions.”
Shikhar Dhawan has played 159 matches where he scored 4579 runs averaging 33.42 with 37 fifties to his name. Shreyas Iyer has featured in 62 matches where he scored 1681 runs averaging 30.56 with 13 fifties.
Shreyas Iyer, who had won the Emerging Player award in his debut season 2015 for Delhi, was handed over captaincy duties in 2018 by Delhi Capitals. He led his IPL side to the semi-final of the IPL 2019.
Shikhar Dhawan Says Less Travelling Will Help In Avoiding Fatigue
Only three venues will see all the matches of IPL 2020. They are Sharjah, Abu Dhabi and Dubai in UAE.
Asked if less travel and having limited venues during the season will make it easier for the batsmen, Dhawan said, “Not traveling much will definitely help us in avoiding fatigue and being able to recover quickly between matches.”
The Delhi-based batsman Shikhar Dhawan also commented on his plans with the national team.
“Currently, I’m not in the Test team, but that does not mean I have lost hope of making a comeback. I focus on my process – which involves staying fit and strong – scoring consistently – if I keep doing that, the rest will follow,” said Shikhar Dhawan.
Shikhar Dhawan played his last Test in 2018. His last ODI and T20I came in January 2020. He averages over 40 in both Tests and ODIs but he averages only 28.35 in T20Is. Although he was named in 2019 World Cup, he fractured his thumb mid-way and Rishabh Pant replaced him in the squad.