Shikhar Dhawan shared his thoughts on the competition for opening slots in the Indian ODI team.
India bounced back in style after their defeat in South Africa earlier this year, clinching the ongoing three-match ODI series against the West Indies in Ahmedabad with one game to spare.
With a 2-0 lead, the hosts will look to complete a clean sweep in the third ODI, which is currently underway at the Narendra Modi Stadium.
During the third ODI, all eyes will be on Shikhar Dhawan, who missed the first two games. After testing positive for Covid-19, the opener missed the first ODI and returned to training before the second match, but was not included in the playing XI.
The veteran will be hoping to put on a strong performance, especially with the opening slot becoming increasingly competitive in ODIs. Because of the fierce competition, the seasoned cricketer was left out of the T20 World Cup squad last year.
Dhawan was asked about the competition for openers in the national team ahead of the third ODI. In response to the question, the southpaw stated that his focus had shifted from "contribution to competition."
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"I feel 4-5 years back, yes it used to. But with time, a person gets matured and it's a very good thing that we have got so many openers in this side. But I've shifted my focus from contribution to competition. So I believe in contribution", he told Star Sports.
"So I contribute then I feel like I don't have any competition. Just myself", he quipped.
In the second ODI, India successfully defended a 238-run target to defeat the West Indies by 44 runs.
Suryakumar Yadav, who top-scored for the hosts with 64 runs off 83 balls, helped them to 237 for nine in 50 overs.
The West Indies were bowled out for 193 in 46 overs, chasing a target of 238 runs, with Prasidh Krishna taking four wickets for India. Shardul Thakur, on the other hand, was in fine form and received two dismissals. Each of Mohammed Siraj, Yuzvendra Chahal, Washington Sundar, and Deepak Hooda took a wicket.
The first ODI was won by India with a six-wicket margin.