Dhawan keen to get back into national side

Having spent a few months out of the Indian team, opening batsman Shikhar Dhawan on Monday said he would look to perform well in domestic competitions, including in the IPL, so that he can be in the reckoning for the national side once again.

Dhawan, who began his Test career in a match against Australia in 2012-13 by scoring the fastest century by a debutant, said he felt sad over not being part of the Indian team against Australia.

"I was a bit sad because I feel I got that ability to play international cricket. Nothing that it's Australia or any other side. I would love to be back in the national side. For that, I would love to perform big in domestic cricket. I am working hard and keeping my process strong and enjoying my game," Dhawan, who is a crucial batsman for Sunrisers Hyderabad in IPL, told mediapersons here.

"From the time I have been out of the Indian side, every tournament has been important, be it T20, domestic one, the one dayers for my Delhi side," said Dhawan, who has had a lean period but came up with an impressive performance in the Deodhar Trophy recently.

"Unfortunately, it did not go the way I wanted to. But now, by the grace of god, I think things are going my way, I would like to take that good form for long," he said.

Expressing confidence to do well for SRH in the IPL, scheduled to start here on April 5, he said he would like to approach the tournament with a calm mind.

"Really looking forward to play the first game and I am going to make sure I keep my nerves in control and just play with a cool mind," he said.

SRH, the defending champion of IPL, take on Royal Challengers Bangalore in the opening tie on April 5 at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket stadium here.

Dhawan said he enjoyed playing with overseas players and he's friends with them off the field. "I enjoy the company of overseas people. It's always good learning. I am always looking forward to learn new things in my life. That's the beauty of the game. When you are playing, you play as rivals. When off the field, we are friends. I feel that's a good thing. That's the beauty of IPL," he said.