Having started the 13th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) slowly, Delhi Capitals' (DC) opener Shikhar Dhawan suddenly went berserk in the second half of the tournament and he is now holding the second spot in the highest run-getter’s chart with 465 runs from 10 matches, including two consecutive centuries.
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Dhawan slammed 101* off 58 balls against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in Sharjah while he smashed 106* off 61 deliveries versus Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) in Dubai to become the first batsman to hit back-to-back hundred in the history of IPL.
Speaking to ANI, Dhawan opened up about the turnaround after a slow start, saying he doesn’t like to hear outside noise.
"I like to stay happy, don't like to take stress. Firstly what people say doesn't reach my ears and I don't wish to listen to what is being said and secondly, I love playing and it gives me joy. I know the hard work I have done and how fit I am and the preparations that I have done. I have full faith in me that whatever I touch, I will turn it into gold," he stated.
The southpaw further said he had a word with head coach Ricky Ponting, who told him that he was hitting the ball well and that is what is important.
"Ricky bhai said that I was batting well and I knew I wanted to play a little fast. I had a discussion on that also with him. I was happy with the 20s and 30s because they were impactful. What matters in T20s is how important those 30 runs were. I thought I was playing the role of the opener. The moment I got fifties, I gained in confidence and then by God's grace I scored the centuries," he explained.
Dhawan once again reiterated that numbers don't matter to him and it is always about doing best for the team.
"If I keep thinking about scoring centuries, I will burden myself. My idea is to go out and give it my best shot. If I give it my best, the rest will follow. That also helps to keep me mentally light. Why should I add to my expectations?
"Like, going into the first few games of the season, I didn't have any fifty or anything, so 500 runs in the season looked a distant dream. But I have been scoring 500 over the last few seasons, so rather than using it as a pressure scenario, I looked at it positively and thought it is good if I achieve it, else I will try and do my best for the team. The idea is to keep it simple and be disciplined. Simple isn't as simple as it sounds, you also need to be mentally strong," he remarked.
Delhi Capitals are currently at the second spot on the points table, with 7 wins from 10 games and Dhawan credited the management for ensuring that the team is a happy unit on and off the field.
"When the team is doing well, it is a good sign and you have everyone pitching in. It is important for the team management to back the players as that brings in a sense of security, and I feel we have a great support staff and management and that has ensured we are a very happy unit. That is what you can see on the field and off it," he said.
(With ANI inputs)
