Shikhar Dhawan who was a regular while opening for India in T20Is has struggled to get going in the shortest format in recent times. But after a good IPL with the bat, the southpaw is appointed to lead the Indian team in Sri Lanka for a limited-overs tour.

According to former India batsman VVS Laxman, the stand-in captain Shikhar Dhawan has to be amongst the runs to confirm his T20 World Cup berth which is scheduled in October-November this year in UAE and Oman.

“I think that Shikhar Dhawan is rewarded for his consistent performances in white-ball cricket. He is the most experienced player in the squad. But Shikhar will be very clear that he has to use this opportunity, especially keeping in mind the T20 World Cup,” Laxman said on Star Sports on Friday.

“There is so much stiff competition with Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul as established openers. Virat Kohli very clearly mentioned that he wants to open in the T20 format. So, Shikhar has to be amongst the runs,” he added.

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The 46-year-old then talked about how even though the left-hander from Delhi will be excited to lead India in Sri Lanka, Dhawan’s main focus should be on scoring runs.

“While he is excited at being the captain of the Indian team, anyone will be proud leading their country, but the focus will be on to score runs and put his spot in a safe and secure position,” the cricketer-turned-commentator said.

As Virat Kohli and Co. are in UK for the upcoming five-match Test series against England, Shikhar Dhawan led Team India with Bhuvneshwar Kumar as his deputy and coach Rahul Dravid will be playing a three-match ODI and as many match T20I series in the island nation.

The limited-overs tour begins from July 13 with all 6 matches to be played at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.

(With IANS Inputs)