Shikhar Dhawan opens up on playing only one format for Team India

India opener Shikhar Dhawan has opened up about playing only one format for Team India for the past few seasons. Notably, Dhawan, who was once a regular all-format player, played his last Test in 2018 while his last T20I appearance came in 2021.

Since then, the left-handed opening batter has been overlooked for the Tests and T20I team, but has kept his spot fixed in the ODI squad. Dhawan has even captained the side numerous times, especially in the recent past. Under his leadership, India won the ODI series in Sri Lanka 2-1 and not so long ago defeated West Indies 3-0.

Dhawan will also be seen leading the Men in Blue in the upcoming three-match ODI series in Zimbabwe. Dhawan has impressed while only playing one format for India and said he wants to be an asset for the Indian team rather than a liability. The 36-year-old mentioned that he understands the dynamics of 50-over format which has helped him to excel.

“Till the time I am playing for India, I would like to be an asset and not a liability. I am a calm, mature person. The performance is a reflection of my experience. 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 the ODI format and that has helped me a lot,” Dhawan told PTI.

Dhawan reckoned that he doesn’t let negative thoughts come into his mind regarding playing only one format. The senior cricketer said that he gets ample amount of rest as he only plays one format which keeps him fresh.

“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 rigors of international cricket or will it not? Frankly speaking, I don’t like entertaining these thoughts. 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,” he added.

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August 10, 2022 at 09:51AM