Shikhar Dhawan started off as a classic, attacking opener. However, having opened regularly for India in one-day cricket for the past six years, he has evolved. He is now looking to bat deep, and has forged a bond with his partner at the other end—Rohit Sharma.
What stands out is that Dhawan has always delivered in tournaments that matter, be it the Champions Trophy 2013 (player of the tournament and Golden Bat, for the leading run-scorer) and 2017 (Golden Bat, again), or the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 in Australia-New Zealand where India reached the semi-finals (India’s top scorer with 412 runs at an average of 51.50).
Dhawan and Sharma may have different batting styles, but what is common is their relaxed attitude to life and work. That sync is visible in their batting as well. They are India’s best ODI opening pair after Sourav Ganguly and Sachin Tendulkar in the all-time list of highest overall partnership runs in ODIs by openers.
In a freewheeling interview with THE WEEK, Dhawan says India has a good chance to lift the World Cup and brushes aside fears that the Champions Trophy 2017 final is weighing on the team’s mind. Edited excerpts:
Q/ In this World Cup, you are a seasoned campaigner, a senior with more responsibilities.
A/It has been a beautiful journey. I learnt so much from different players and coaches. It is like fulfilment of a dream—to play for India for so many years. It is one thing to play or make a comeback; it is another thing to play, make a mark for yourself and maintain that performance.
Q/It is tough to perform consistently.
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