With Virat Kohli and Co. in the UK, a new-look Indian team led by Shikhar Dhawan was selected with Rahul Dravid as the head coach for the upcoming white-ball tour of Sri Lanka that consists of a three-match ODI and as many match T20I series.
The left-hand opening batsman has played under the coaching of Ravi Shastri and has experience of seeing Rahul Dravid as a coach as well and described both the mentors as "very positive" people in his recent interaction on Saturday.
The Delhi-based batsman then went on to point out some differences between the coaching styles of both Shastri and Dravid.
“They (Dravid and Shastri) both have their own qualities and they both are very positive people. I have spent time with Ravi Bhai (Ravi Shastri) and their ways to motivate are different,” Dhawan said.
“Ravi Bhai's energy is a bit strong, whereas Rahul Bhai (Rahul Dravid) is very calm, composed and strong as well, so everyone has their own way and I enjoy playing under both of them,” the 35-year-old popularly known as ‘Gabbar’ added.
As the Indian team playing against Sri Lanka is missing many senior pros like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, Rishabh Pant and Mohammad Shami, there was a lot of talk amongst fans and pundits about the XI that might feature in the first ODI.
While people were debating about the southpaw’s opening partner in the island nation, Dhawan informed the media persons that the team management has confirmed his opening partner.
“We have finalised my opening partner and the team as well, which we are going to disclose tomorrow,” he said.
The ODI series between India and hosts Sri Lanka is scheduled to begin from 18 July followed by a three-match T20I series slated to commence from 25 July with all six matches to be played at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.
(With India TV Inputs)
