Repetition keeps Dhawan on toes

DAM BULLA: Shikhar Dhawan’s sensational run of form continued with the bats man scoring his 11 th O DI century to se alanine-wicket win over Sri Lanka on Sunday. The left-hander struck an unbeaten 132, his third century on the tour, after scoring 190 and 119 in the Test series sweep.

The 31-year-old suffered a form slump to go out of the team during the long home series, but has hardly put a step wrong since the ICC Champions Trophy.

REPEAT VALUE

Shikhar, who smashed a record 187 on Test debut against Australia in Mo hali four years ago, said he has tried to repeat things he did in that knock, which worked in his Gal le century this time (190) as well as in Dambulla.

“The way I played in the 2013 Champions Trophy and again when I came back and played in this Champions Trophy, I was playing with the same flow ,” S hik ha rs aid after the match.

“I would say the way I played in my debut and the Gal le match, I played quite similarly. I am trying to keep repeating the same mantra for myself,” he said.

Motivation isn’t a problem for Shikhar though.

“I would like to keep performing well. That would be my goal because if I don’t perform, there are such great batsmen in our side that anyone can take the place.

“The second thing is I would like to keep my fitness on a high level because all the young boys are there. I like to keep myself fit (considering) the pace of the game.”

Asked whether concerns of a slump cross his mind, Shikhar said he had just recovered from one, referring to his being dropped from the side during the home season.

Sri Lankan bowlers cut a sorry figure but Shikhar did not agree when asked if it was the worst attack he had faced.

“He is a bit old now and with time I feel hi space has gone down a bit, that’s why we can attack more. This is natural because he has played so much cricket. It’s just a cycle, life cycle, that’s what I feel.”