Irfan Pathan feels that senior Indian opener Shikhar Dhawan will have a point to prove as a skipper on the tour to Sri Lanka. 

Shikhar Dhawan-led India’s white-ball team will play three ODIs and three T20Is against the hosts at the R Premadasa International Stadium in Colombo. The ODIs will take place on July 13, 16, and 18, while the T20Is will be played on July 21, 23, and 25.

The series against Sri Lanka will mark Shikhar Dhawan’s first stint as the captain of the national side. With young guns in the side, it still remains to be seen how he handles the pressure as India captain and will be keen to make the most of this opportunity.

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Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan feels that Shikhar Dhawan will have a point to prove as a leader because when he led Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2014, his stint wasn’t a memorable one.

“He is a very fun-loving guy. Whenever you meet him, he is always laughing, very cheerful. The youngsters will be very comfortable around him. And I think, as a leader, he will have a point to prove – not to anyone, but for himself. Because last time he was leading an IPL side, that was not a very fruitful move for him, but that was so many years ago,” Irfan Pathan told Star Sports. 

Irfan Pathan further said that Shikhar Dhawan will be excited about the leadership role but will also look to perform on the individual level and share his experience with all the youngsters. 

“So, if any senior guy wants to do something, he needs to convince himself – more than trying to prove a point to anyone else. So, he will be really excited for leadership, but at the same time, he will be looking forward to not only perform but also sharing his experience with all the youngsters,” he said. 

Shikhar Dhawan would be high on confidence as, during the first half of the IPL 2021, the southpaw had a terrific outing for Delhi Capitals (DC) and was the top-scorer with 380 runs to his name.

(Star Sports inputs)