NEW DELHI, Aug 9: Behind Shikhar Dhawan’s cheerful exterior lies an intensely ‘spiritual man’ who has made peace with representing India in one format.
“Till the time I am playing for India, I would like to be an asset and not a liability,” Dhawan told PTI in an exclusive interaction.
From the start of 2020 till the end of West Indies series, Dhawan has played 22 ODIs and scored 975 runs with 10 half-centuries, the highest by an Indian batter by a distance. “I am a calm, matured person. The performance is a reflection of my experience,” Dhawan said when he was reminded of his phenomenal numbers.
“My basics have been pretty strong and I have put in a lot of work to improve my technique. Understanding a format is also very important. I understand the dynamics of ODI format and that has helped me a lot,” he added.
“I never let this feeling creep into my system that “Oh God, I am playing only one format or I am playing an ODI series after a long time. Will my body respond well to the rigours of international cricket or will it not? Frankly speaking, I don’t like entertaining these thoughts,” the senior opener gave a peek into his thought process.
“I view it like this. If I am playing a format after a gap of two months or three months, it always gives me a chance to remain fresh and come into battle fully fit, and with enough time to work on my game.”
“I am always counting my blessings and if I am playing one format for India, I should try and make the most of it and give it my all. I am a very positive person. You won’t find a negative bone in my body,” he smiled. (PTI)
