IPL performance helped get India berth: Shikhar
HYDERABAD: Shikhar Dhawan believes his performances in the IPL have earned him a spot in the squad for the Champions Trophy. Dhawan on Monday celebrated his inclusion with a match-winning fifty for Sunrisers Hyderabad against Mumbai Indians in Uppal.
The India southpaw shared a 91-run stand with Moises Henriques after losing his opening partner and captain David Warner early in their chase of 139. He led his team across the finish line with an unbeaten 62 off just 46 balls.
The 31-year-old has been picked as a first-choice opener along with Rohit Sharma, with Ajinkya Rahane providing a back-up.
Dhawan, who is the secondhighest run-scorer so far in this IPL edition with 450 runs in 12 matches, said he was pumped up to play for India.
“I was happy to know that my name is there India squad for the Champions Trophy but more than that I felt that it was a reward for my performances in the shorter formats and in the an interview with iplt20.com.
“If I keep performing well, I believe those performances won’t be ignored. I want to perform and keep playing for India as long as I can. I am pumped up to play the Champions Trophy,” he added.
Dhawan, who was the highest run-scorer in the 2013 Champions Trophy in England with 363 runs from five matches at 90.75 and was also named the player of the tournament, further said: “I have some good memories of the tournament and I had a great one the last time we played there. We will try to bring home the Champions Trophy.”
WARNER THANKS FANS
Skipper David Warner is elated at the support his team has received from fans. The Australian dynamite took to Twitter to express his gratitude to fans. “A solid performance tonight by our lads @SunRisers well played to all. Thanks to our fans for coming to the games. Appreciate the support,” Warner tweeted.
Sunrisers have 15 points from 13 games and are placed fourth with Kings XI Punjab close on their heels with 10 points from
I was happy that my name is there India squad for the Champions Trophy but more than that I felt that it was a reward for my performances in the shorter formats and in the ongoing IPL On his Champions Trophy selection