The 36-year-old signed off by revealing how he coped with isolation due to COVID-19. “I was playing flute in my room (during isolation). I was enjoying the poetry as well, had a good off-time and I am fresh now.”
India's Shikhar Dhawan plays a shot during the third T20 cricket match between India and Sri Lanka at the Maharashtra Cricket Association stadium in Pune on January 10, 2020. (Photo by PUNIT PARANJPE / AFP)
India opener Shikhar Dhawan said that over a period of time, his focus has shifted from competing to contributing. Dhawan, after being infected with COVID-19 before the start of the series against the West Indies, is now back into the playing eleven for the third ODI on Friday.
“I feel 4-5 years back, it (worry of competition) used to. With time, a person gets matured. It’s good that we have so many openers in the side, but I shifted my focus from competition to contribution. (When) I contribute then I feel like I don’t have any competition,” said Dhawan in a chat with broadcasters.
Talking about his current form, the swashbuckling left-hander insisted about being happy with it. “I am in good rhythm and I am happy that I scored five fifties (in the last nine innings) or 70-80 runs. Missed out on centuries as well and I reflect on those things. But at the same time, I am very happy with the way I am batting and my impact on the game. I am very, very happy about it.”
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Dhawan felt his mind focuses more on playing as per the situation of the game instead of chasing centuries. “I am always hungry about runs. At the same time, I make sure that I am not just focusing on hundreds, but on the flow of the game, what the game demands at a particular time. If I have to play a bit more of an aggressive role or have to stay on the wicket, have to focus on these things more.”
With COVID-19 now behind him, Dhawan is looking forward to play in the final ODI at the Narendra Modi Stadium. “I didn’t hear that sound for a long time. It was quite good to hear that and wickets here are good in the nets. I enjoy batting on bouncy tracks, looking forward for a good opportunity today.”
The 36-year-old signed off by revealing how he coped with isolation due to COVID-19. “I was playing flute in my room (during isolation). I was enjoying the poetry as well, had a good off-time and I am fresh now.”
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