India opener Shikhar Dhawan has said that the Men in Blue unit knows how to bounce back after a loss in the first ODI of the three-match series against Bangladesh on December 4. The second match of the series will be played on December 7, also in Dhaka.
Bangladesh pipped India by one wicket in a low-scoring opening one-dayer, thanks to some very good bowling by Shakib Al Hasan and Ebadot Hossain which kept India to 186 after being put into bat and then Mehidy Hasan taking Bangladesh past the finish line after being reduced to 136/9, by adding 51* runs with Mustafizur Rahman for the 10th wicket.
As India gear up for the must-win game on Wednesday, opener Dhawan is confident of the team making a strong comeback in the three-match series.
"This is not the first time we have lost the first game in a series. This is quite normal, we know how to bounce back from these situations. We're very, very confident. We have analyzed where we need to improve. Surely, we will create more impact in the coming games. We are very positive and in a good space, we are looking forward to it,” said Dhawan on the eve of the match.
Dhawan himself has had a lean patch in recent times, scoring just one half-century in his last 9 outings. Battling indifferent form, Dhawan on Tuesday was seen working on his sweep shot and reverse hits.
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"It's good to practice more. These shots will come handy in these conditions. Even in the World Cup in India where spinners will make an impact, those shots will be helpful. I always enjoy playing them. It's good to practice more in these conditions," Dhawan said.
He also praised Washington Sundar and said that he can be groomed to become a "great" all-rounder for India in the future.
"He has been performing really well since the time he came back. Even in New Zealand he had an amazing knock and bowled really well. He's a very good all-rounder, quite an impactful off-spinner and lower order batter. I'm sure the more matches he plays, he's going to get more experienced. He already had a very stable mindset. I'm sure he'll do great in the cricket world and for us,” Dhawan said.
Talking about India's rivalry with Bangladesh, Dhawan said: "The rivalry is always there with any team but with Bangladesh, they are quite emotional people. They really enjoy and play with great intensity. It's good fun, makes us more intense as well and keep us on our toes. It brings the best out of us.”
(With inputs from PTI)
