Indian opener Shikhar Dhawan feels that he still has a lot to contribute in the T20 format as looks to play at the highest level for at least another three years while he feels his experience can come in handy in the T20 setup.
Indian opener Shikhar Dhawan remains an integral part of the team but feels he still has a lot to contribute in the T20 format as he looks to play at the highest level for at least another three years.
He is the consistent run-scorer in the IPL 2022, scoring 421 runs for Punjab Kings. However, the last time opener scored less than 300 runs in the IPL 2015 edition. Despite being among the runs and leading India on a tour of Sri Lanka last year, Dhawan didn’t find a place in the T20 World Cup squad.
Dhawan is hopeful to make a comeback in the Indian squad with the home series against South Africa. He believes his experience can come in handy in the T20 setup.
“Though I remain an integral part of the team, I still feel that I can contribute in the shortest format because of my experience. I have been quite doing well in the T20 format. Whatever role I have been given I have done well.
“I have managed to stay consistent in the formats that I am playing, whether it is the IPL or at the domestic level and I am enjoying it. Consistency is not only about scoring fifties or hundreds frequently, but also about maintaining even gaps between such scores,”
Dhawan told PTI.
“Yes, I am a very positive person. It was a dream come true for me to lead the team last year. For the T20 World Cup, they thought the (chosen) players were better than me and fair enough. Whatever decision selectors make, I respect that. That happens in life. You accept it and keep doing your job. I only focus on what is in my control and try to make the most of the opportunities that I get,”
he said.
He had played 34 tests, 149 ODIs, and 68 T20Is for India and he further wants to play for India for at least three more years.
“I don’t put unnecessary pressure on myself. It’s a race that never ends. If I get into that mindset, I will not be happy and it’s not good energy. My ODI average is 45.53. I am always looking for growth, analyzing if I can get better. We as cricketers have to remain on our toes and fit to be relevant in the race to represent India. I am playing for the next three years at least. I have been batting quite well for the past few years, I am hopeful and positive that the way I am performing, there are many milestones to achieve,”
Dhawan said.
“My focus is about the journey and not the destination, it is more about how I am refining myself as a cricketer and how consistently am I performing and as a leader, how am I growing,”
he said on a philosophical note.
While talking about the role of power-hitting, Dhawan feels that constant upskilling is “truly” the need of the hour.
“Everyone has to be open to change if that’s what is needed. I can adapt myself to any situation, I do that job on the day and in the moment, the situation may not be the same for a whole season, it keeps changing. I have the presence of mind to know when to do what,”
he said.