Veteran opener Shikhar Dhawan is getting picked only in the Indian ODI squad lately. He has played his last Test in 2018, while his last T20I appearance was on the white-ball tour of Sri Lanka in 2021.

No wonder, the southpaw is focusing more on the 2023 ODI World Cup and wants to keep himself fit for the showpiece tournament at home.

"I feel grateful that my hard work has made me capable of achieving so much. Most certainly, the 2023 world cup keeps driving me, but it is more my love for sports and dedication to my game. I make sure that I keep my fitness always on the top level and keep doing the work - whether it's skill work or fitness work or emotional wellbeing. I maintain consistency to grasp every chance of improvement, and we are looking forward to the World Cup and put a great impact in every match," Dhawan told NDTV.

"It's about discipline, whenever I am travelling, I make sure that I give my body rest and then maintain a balance of fitness and training. Consistency is really important, especially when I'm traveling and have a few days before the match, I train in the gym to maintain my strength, and perpetuate mobility as well as flexibility to avoid injuries like muscle tears. When it comes to de-stressing after a long trip, I prefer staying at home, hanging out with friends, or going on a trip," he added.

In July, Shikhar Dhawan led India to a 3-0 ODI series win over West Indies away from home. He registered scores of 97, 13 and 58 in the three games. The left-hander then toured Zimbabwe as vice-captain and returned with scores of 81*, 33 and 40.

Being one of India’s senior-most players, the 36-year-old Dhawan makes sure that mood in the dressing room remains upbeat.

"I make sure I bond with them on the field as well as off the field. At the end of the day, we are all humans, so I try to maintain an emotional connection with them, and that results in them listening to me better on the field. My only advice will be to know your game, be positive, and have a vision for yourself. One should focus on their goal to do something for India, so they should upskill themselves, maintain their fitness, and always stay positive. I tell them to develop a mindset that encourages them to be the top player for the nation, and change their dreams into reality. Even when life is testing you, handle those situations with calmness and ease," he said.

Dhawan also opened up on the daily routine that helps him to maintain fitness.

"My daily routine includes gym on a daily basis so that I get the best out of my fitness. Eating consciously is my hallmark I plan my meals so that they contain a balance of fruits, carbs, and proteins. My weekly fitness regime is 4 sessions of the gym, 2-3 sessions of running, 2-3 net sessions, and lastly 4-5 yoga sessions. That is how I plan my fitness journey for a whole week," he stated.

"My daily routine includes gym on a daily basis so that I get the best out of my fitness. Eating consciously is my hallmark I plan my meals so that they contain a balance of fruits, carbs, and proteins. My weekly fitness regime is 4 sessions of the gym, 2-3 sessions of running, 2-3 net sessions, and lastly 4-5 yoga sessions. That is how I plan my fitness journey for a whole week. My favourite workout would be deadlifts, chest, back and Stretching exercises," he further remarked.

(With NDTV inputs)