Shikhar Dhawan returns to the venue where he launched his Test career with a blistering knock of 187 against Australians — the very opponents he will be facing again on Saturday in the third one-dayer, says a report in the DNA.
“I’ve good memories of my debut match here against the same opponents. I want to carry that momentum and look forward to contribute to team’s cause. We are certainly working on our bowling. Hope our bowlers will have better outing here as well,” said Dhawan, who will be playing his 22nd ODI here on Saturday.
Things have changed in the last seven months. Ever since he ripped apart the touring Australian side to probably score the best-ever hundred by any opener in his debut game, it has been a different Dhawan even for those who have been keeping a tab on him since his junior cricket days. The ‘Jat’, as he is popularly known in his team, has not been the same. His casual approach towards “getting out” has been replaced by some deep thinking once he returns to the dressing room. The usual “happy-go-lucky” approach has been consciously and steadily changed to that of a serious guy who has learned to value his wicket.
“Yes, probably this is the change in me in the last few months. I value my wicket more now,” Dhawan said on Friday.
According to a report in Mid-Day, talking about the bowling, which has failed India in the series till now, Dhawan felt the situation was under control as far as bowling is concerned. He said: “See, these are very good batting wickets. Our bowlers are doing a great job, but of course, we are working more on our bowling so that we get stronger.”
On R Vinay Kumar and Ishant Sharma bowling too many short and wide balls in Jaipur, Dhawan said, “I guess the boys were trying bouncers, trying to surprise the opponents with short balls and were trying different things to upset them.”
Mohali has been a lucky venue for Dhawan and he recalled: “I have great memory here, made my debut here and got a century. Of course, it is a great motivation for me and I would like to repeat the same things here.”
Talking about the conditions, the left-hander said that dew would play a crucial role in today’s match. “Dew is always an important factor. As far as the Mohali wicket is concerned, it has been good for fast bowlers as well as batsmen. It should be overall a good wicket.”
