Team India’s stand-in captain Shikhar Dhawan plays only ODIs for India. And, he has opened up about how he wants to play a key role for the Indian team in next year’s ODI World Cup at home as well.
For this, the veteran opener feels that playing just one format is helping him to stay fresh and prepare better between the two series. He also shared how he ensures there is no competition for places being fierce at the moment also.
While speaking to reporters beforethe first ODI between India and New Zealand on Friday, Shikhar Dhawan said:
“I get more off time and am able to stay fresher and stronger. When I was playing all the formats, it was a lot of cricket. I make sure that I keep myself in that groove. When I enter the team, I make sure that I keep up with the pace of the team, otherwise, I will be left behind.”
The last time the India played an ODI series in New Zealand, they lost 3-0. Dhawan said that the Kiwis have a fine pace attack and feels that they are up for the challenge.
“Boys did well in T20Is and we want to carry that momentum in ODIs” – Shikhar Dhawan
He added: “They have been a good side, a consistent one. They have got a great pace attack and we look forward to taking that challenge in these conditions and batting well. Boys did well in T20Is and we want to carry that momentum in ODIs.”
As the competition is so high for the opening place, it is very difficult for some players to get a consistent run in the team as well. Many know that a few failures could see them replaced also. However, Shikhar Dhawan shared that the players aren’t disheartened by this as they know the team’s interest is the most importance.
“It is great for the team, because it has so many great players. Communication on part of coach and captain is the key in such a situation. Players get clarity that why they are not being played. When such transparency is there, players understand that this is all for a bigger interest, the interest of the team,” Shikhar Dhawan concluded.
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