Shikhar, Rohit should open in Champions Trophy, says VVS Laxman

PUNE: Indian batting legend VVS Laxman has batted for Shikhar Dhawan to open the innings alongwith Rohit Sharma in the forthcoming Champions Trophy to be held in England and Wales in June.

Sunrisers Hyderabad mentor Laxman, who is impressed with Dhawan’s return to form in this edition of the IPL, believes the left-handed opener is mentally in good space, therefore, not only should get a place in India’ s squad for the Champions Trophy, but should open the innings as well alongside Rohit as they did in 2013. “I think it is great to see Shikhar batting the way he is. He looks in very good rhythm. Also he is in good space of mind. And I am sure the way he is batting, he will win more and more matches for the franchise. I am hoping that he will get a place in the Champions Trophy. I believe Shikhar and Rohit are the right players to open in England,” Laxman said.

The 31-year-old lost his place from the national side due to poor form and injuries, but the opener has looked good in this IPL season and even smashed a match-winning 70 against Delhi Daredevils on Wednesday. Dhawan was dropped midway through the ODI series against England earlier this year after making just 12 in two matches. “I just want him to enjoy and play with a lot of freedom because he is a match winner and an impact player.”

SHIKHAR LOST HIS PLACE FROM THE NATIONAL SIDE DUE TO POOR FORM AND INJURIES, BUT THE OPENER HAS LOOKED GOOD IN THIS IPL