IND v AFG 2018: Having faced Rashid in the SRH nets was helpful, says Shikhar Dhawan

Shikhar Dhawan got a brisk hundred on Day 1 of the historic Test.

Shikhar Dhawan (AP)

It was the kind of innings that further reiterated why Shikhar Dhawan seems to attract the Indian Team management as an opener in Test Cricket.  He can take the game away from the opposition and rattle them in this process. He did the same to Afghanistan on Thursday, sensing the nervousness playing their maiden Test. 

On a pitch that was offering something to the two seam bowlers, Yamin Ahmadzai and Wafadar, Shikhar was more selective than circumspect as he punished every ball in his areas but what stood out in his scintillating hundred on Thursday was him picking Rashid Khan, the opponent's biggest threat, from the hand and getting him unsettled very early as the wrist-spinner took time coming to terms with the conditions and the SG Test ball.

At the end of day's play, Shikhar talked about his innings at the press conference and said, "One thing (advantage) is that I have faced him (Rashid) in the nets for the past two years as we play for the same IPL team. I am used to his bowling and that was an advantage for sure. It helped me," 

Dhawan is partly right and extremely modest here, as having faced Rashid in the Sunrisers Hyderabad nets may be advantageous, but not many batsmen have been able to give a genuine impression against Rashid that they are picking him from the hands like Shikhar did on day 1. 

He further said, "They came back very well in the final session and I am sure they are going to learn a lot of things and go a long way ahead. Of course, I enjoyed my battle with Rashid and I am happy that I dominated. But he is a great bowler and on his day, he will take some serious wickets," 

Dhawan knows it is the defensive technique that has been the main issue but he seems to back himself by just doing what he does when he plays Test Cricket. Show a lot of heart.

"Every player has his own game and a team is made up of different characters. My game is different from Vijay's. Each one of us has different qualities. There are a few who love to step out and hit while a few play spinners from within the crease. Each one has his own plan. My strength is to step out and I played accordingly." 

"I have full faith in my process and if you look at my earlier Test matches in Sri Lanka (barring the odd failure in Cape Town), I play with the same positive mindset. I was in good touch during IPL and wanted to continue with it," 

(Inputs from Times of India)

 
 

By Kashish Chadha - 15 Jun, 2018

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