Former India wicketkeeper-batsman Parthiv Patel lauded Shikhar Dhawan’s attitude and approach during his match-winning innings in the first ODI against England in Pune on Tuesday (March 23), saying this know was very important of the under-pressure batsman.
Questions were raised on Dhawan’s spot in India’s limited-overs squad after the experienced opener was dropped for the four T20Is following his poor outing (4 runs) in the first T20I against England. However, he was given the chance in the first ODI and he showed the world what he can do.
The “Gabbar” has played an entertaining knock of 98 runs as well as added crucial partnerships with Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to help Team India post 317/5 on the board – that the hosts successfully defended to take a 1-0 lead in the ongoing three-match ODI series against England.
Following his impressive knock, Parthiv said there was pressure on the Delhi southpaw but this knock was crucial for him to ease the pressure created on him while hoping the innings in the first ODI would have put to rest the doubts about his place in the Indian cricket team.
Patel said on Star Sports: “The pressure is there because he plays only one format. Shikhar Dhawan's style is extremely unique because he knows one should remain happy always. He did not show the pressure and in my opinion, it was a very important knock for Shikhar Dhawan.”
He signed off by saying, “He had done well in T20s but got an opportunity in only one match in the T20I series. The way he batted, he took his time. At times under pressure, you play hastily with the intention of scoring quick runs but he remained composed. He has a lot of experience and according to me he played a very good knock.”
