India won ODI series 2-1 as well as the first T20I of three-match series against Sri Lanka.
This has impressed Pakistans' Kamran Akmal who complemented Dhawan’s captaincy by saying that his calm leadership style is similar to that of former India captain MS Dhoni.
“Shikhar Dhawan’s captaincy in the first T20I was really good. The bowling changes and field placings were impressive. Dhawan seems like a cool captain. In fact, I can see shades of MS Dhoni in Dhawan’s calm and composed captaincy,” Akmal said in a YouTube video on his channel.
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“He took excellent decisions under pressure and did not panic even after Sri Lanka got off to a quick start. To win by 38 runs after the Lankans were 20 for no loss after two overs was an excellent effort and Dhawan must get some credit for it. Of course, the bowlers were also brilliant,” he added.
Dhawan’s deputy Bhuvneshwar Kumar was on top of his game in the first T20I against hosts Sri Lanka on Sunday (25 July), as the right-arm quick picked 4-22. The 39-year-old from Lahore then praised the Indian pacer for his fantastic performance.
“Vice-captain Bhuvneshwar Kumar brought all his experience into play. He is a class bowler. A target of 165 is very much attainable in today’s T20 cricket but India’s bowling was top-notch and Sri Lanka’s batting could not stand up to the challenge,” the former Pakistan cricketer said.
After a win in the first match, Shikhar Dhawan and Co. will be getting ready to take on Dasun Shanaka-led Sri Lankan side in the second T20I scheduled on Tuesday (27 July).