Guess I was not consistent with shot selection in Tests
NEWDELHI: Shikhar Dhawan, who helped India win the T20 series against Bangladesh, wants to use the domestic season as platform to make a Test comeback. He hasn’t played a Test for over a year. He is planning to use the Stancebeam Striker, a bat sensor that provides data on backlift and batspeed. Before leaving for Surat for the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, he spoke about his injury at World Cup and more.
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Injury hampered a strong start to the World Cup.
It was a big opportunity. But injuries are part of the game. I did my best even after getting hurt, scoring a century and we won the game (against Australia). It was a great feeling. At the same time, I knew that I had a fracture. It is disappointing but if I can’t give 100% to the team, there is no point continuing. Better, I let somebody else do that.
You have got good starts in recent T20IS but haven’t been able to convert them into fifties
It is not a concern. If you see my previous series, I made 30s and 40s. You don’t always set fifty as a benchmark. I have been playing more aggressively. If you had seen the South Africa series, I was doing my role, scoring at a brisk rate. I don’t pay attention to turning 40s into 50s. If it is done, it is done. In Delhi (T20 against Bangladesh), the wicket was a bit tough so I had to play carefully. But apart from that, I have been going after the bowling. And that’s because our batting line-up is strong. If they are provided early momentum, they can go for runs.
What’s the pressure like at the top with so many youngsters?
One of the top three batsmen has to stay 15 overs though he has to play his own game. See, in T20 it is very clear. I have to go and whack the ball and score as many runs as possible and at a good pace. The middle-order players can take it from there. This is a great opportunity for youngsters.
You didn’t score as many centuries outside Asia. Does it hurt being out of the Test side?
I guess England is the only place where I couldn’t score much. In Australia too, I had an 80 but yeah, I had less runs. In New Zealand, I scored a bit. So that sometimes rankles but, of course, I gave my best. But it doesn’t mean that I will not be able to make a comeback. If I get an opportunity, I will do it again. Because with time you get experience.
What went wrong in Tests?
More than style, it could be shot selection. Where you have to defend and where you have to throw the bat. You play differently in different places. So I guess I wasn’t consistent enough on that aspect. (But) I have an average of 40 (40.61) in Tests.
How do you see Mayank Agarwal and Rohit Sharma becoming India’s new openers?
They are doing very well. I wish them well and bless them. They’ve come up well.
How do you rate your chance?
I work as hard as I can. Beyond that, whatever I deserve I will get. I love playing cricket and keep my focus on the process. Like I am playing ODI, T20, when I play Ranji too, I’ll definitely try to perform. I am sure I’ll be a strong contender for the Test side. When you get runs, they speak (for you).
How do you see the new batting coach, Vikram Rathour?
Vikrambhai is a good coach. He started just two months back. He is a strong character, gives ideas and views. Even Sanjaybhai did a good job, we did so well under him. Every personality is different. They have their own ideas, ways and styles. The basics remain the same.