A good IPL will help me stay in rhythm for WC: Shikhar Dhawan

New Delhi: He is back home and India opener Shikhar Dhawan is looking to make it a season worth remembering for the Delhi Capitals in the Indian Premier League (IPL). While the team has failed to rise to the challenge in the last couple of seasons, finishing at the bottom of the table, they have rejigged the squad and brought in a good mix of youth and experience.

While Dhawan was brought in to cement the batting at the top, before the auction, the likes of Ishant Sharma was brought in the auction to add to the experience in the bowling unit. And Dhawan believes that this team can go the full distance and win the trophy.

Speaking to IANS, Gabbar (as he is fondly known) said that a mix of hard and smart work has ensured that the Delhi Capitals are in the right frame of mind going into the 12th edition of the cash-rich league.

“I am looking forward to starting the season with a bang. Feels good to be back home after a long time and when it comes to cricket, we have a very good bunch of boys, a balanced side. Things have changed and I feel that change is good. We have a great support staff and I think we are in the right mindset which is very important.

“The way we are preparing, we are doing a lot of hard work as well as smart work and I believe we are going to do well this season,” he smiled.

Personally, Dhawan had come into the ODI series against Australia with pundits questioning his form as he had managed to score just two fifties in 14 innings since his innings of 114 against Pakistan in the Asia Cup in September 2018. But Dhawan silenced all with a swashbuckling 143 against the Aussies in the fourth ODI of the 5-match series in Mohali.

Asked if he was under any pressure or if he was getting conscious considering that the World Cup is round the corner, Dhawan was at his wittiest best.

“Conscious about what? This is my daily job. I make sure my basics are taken care of and I have a clear mind. Sometimes you make runs, sometimes you don’t. But I always keep calm and look at the areas where I need to work on and then I go and give it my best shot. I don’t believe in worrying too much,” he explained.

While one would have expected him to take on the captain’s role, Dhawan says he is happy to share his experience with skipper Shreyas Iyer and will be looking forward to mentoring the young players in the team.

“I feel very good and light. Shreyas captained the side last year and his bonding with Ricky Ponting (head coach) is great and it will only grow. As a senior player, I will share all my experience and whatever information I can provide to the team. I can always help my captain and give my inputs. It is on the skipper to decide how much he wants to use it.

“Off the field also, we will look at the opposition and their videos and get the details. On the field when I am batting with my partners, I will make sure the communication level is high and be aware of what the situation demands,” he said.

Even as many players have spoken about workload management and the need to be smart to ensure that the body isn’t overworked, Dhawan is looking at the IPL as an opportunity to walk into the World Cup in top form. IANS

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