Shikhar Dhawan – We know how to bounce back from these situations, we’re very, very confident
India opener Shikhar Dhawan is working on his sweep shot and reverse hit as part of his preparation for the ODI World Cup at home later this year while Team India head coach Rahul Dravid had a special session with him ahead of the second ODI on Wednesday.
India opener Shikhar Dhawan is working on his sweep shot and reverse hit as part of his preparation for the ODI World Cup at home later this year.
Having scored just one half-century in his last nine innings, the 37-year-old left-hander faces the heat in the development of the ODI showpiece.
Shubman Gill, who is not part of the series in Bangladesh, has arisen as a strong contender to open alongside Captain Rohit Sharma in the World Cup.
Team India head coach Rahul Dravid had a special session with him ahead of the second ODI on Wednesday.
“It’s good to practice more. These shots will come in handy in these conditions. Even in the World Cup in India where spinners will make an impact, those shots will be helpful. I always enjoy playing them. It’s good to practice more in these conditions,”
Dhawan said on the eve of their must-win game.
“This is not the first time we have lost the first game in a series. This is quite normal; we know how to bounce back from these situations. We’re very, very confident,”
said Dhawan.
Bangladesh was 136/9 in 39.3 overs in their small chase of 187 but Mehidy Hasan and Mustafizur Rahman hopefully managed an unrealistic win with an unbroken 51-run stand for the last wicket.
“It doesn’t happen very often, they played well. Of course, Bangladesh is playing really good cricket,”
Dhawan said.
“We have analyzed where we need to improve. Surely, we will create more impact in the coming games. We are very positive and in a good space, we are looking forward to it.”
Talking about the positives, Dhawan said Washington Sundar could be groomed to become a “great” all-rounder for India in the future.
“He has been performing well since the time he came back. Even in New Zealand he had an amazing knock and bowled well. He’s a very good all-rounder, quite an impactful off-spinner and lower-order batter.
“I’m sure the more matches he plays, he’s going to get more experienced. He already had a very stable mindset. I’m sure he’ll do great in the cricket world and for us.”
Talking about India’s rivalry with Bangladesh, Dhawan said:
“The rivalry is always there with any team but with Bangladesh, they are quite emotional people.
“They enjoy and play with great intensity. Its good fun makes us more intense as well and keeps us on our toes. It brings the best out of us.”
