Former Delhi Capitals’ (DC) assistant coach, Mohammad Kaif, has recalled an incident when then DC opener Shikhar Dhawan refrained from revealing his weaknesses to all-rounder Marcus Stoinis during a DC practice game apparently during the IPL 2021.
Dhawan and Stoinis played together for the Delhi Capitals (DC) in the IPL for the two seasons in 2020 and 2021, and now the Indian opener is part of the Punjab Kings (PBKS), while the Australia all-rounder is plying his trade for the new franchise Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in the ongoing IPL 2022.
Well, the incident was from a Delhi Capitals practice match, when Dhawan and Stoinis were on opposite sides and the match was being umpired by Kaif. The former cricketer revealed though the duo shared a good equation, Dhawan didn’t reveal his weakness to Stoinis.
Kaif told Sportskeeda: “There was this practice game going on last year. We try to maintain the tempo of an IPL match in practice games. Stoinis was bowling with the new ball and Dhawan was on strike. Dhawan took a single and I was umpiring. So when Dhawan came to the other end, Stoinis asked him, 'Should I change my field placement? Should I keep the fine leg up against you? What kind of field placement should I keep for you?'”
He continued, “Shikhar said, 'no, this is fine. This is a very good field.' Then Stoinis went for his run-up and Shikhar turned to me and said with a laugh, 'Why should I tell him about my weakness? I have to play in the World Cup in UAE. Why should I discuss my weakness with the bowlers?'
I realized then that even when these guys play together, no one wants to discuss their weaknesses. He eventually didn't tell him where to set the field. It did make me realize how smart batters are. They don't reveal all their secrets so that they can survive.”
Kaif signed off by saying, “Stoinis and Shikhar are good friends. But Dhawan didn't discuss his weaknesses during the IPL. People think that Dhawan is very casual and fun-loving, but behind that, there is a process, planning, and smartness. This just shows how smart Dhawan is.”
