'When I wasn't playing, I was being a good 12th man', shares Shikhar Dhawan
Indian Cricket team’s left-handed opener Shikhar Dhawan was dropped from the playing XI after the first T20I against England, which put a lot of question marks on his future in the format. It started after India used as many as four different opening pairs in the five-match T20I series against England and eventually the captain, Virat Kohli opened alongside Rohit Sharma in the final.
However, Dhawan put any such doubts aside in the first ODI and scored a blistering 98 and helped India win by 66 runs in Pune as well. While speaking after winning the Man of the Match award, he said he always tries to help the team even when he is not in the team. But, he missed the three-figure mark by just two runs, although that didn’t bother him too much.
“When I wasn’t playing, I was thinking how I can give to the team. I was being a good 12th man, serving water. In my head, though, I was quite positive and preparing, working on my skills. That when I get an opportunity I can score runs,” he said at the post match presentation.
“I was putting all my efforts in the process. Was doing good gym, running, and net sessions whenever possible? Eventually my hard work paid off. You feel bit sad (getting out on 98) but I am not a person who gets too sad or too happy. I was not in a rush to score 100, went for a shot, and got out. There’s always a next time. Very happy with the performance especially because the team won. Great comeback. Really enjoyed it,” he further added.
After winning the four-match Test series 3-1 and then five-match Twenty20 International series 3-2, Team India were full of confidence that they would secure another win and that reflected in their game too. Despite having a flying start, England couldn’t manage to chase down the total and eventually lost. And, the host will try to register another win to clinch the series as well.
Comments
Post a Comment