Bangladesh are tough to beat: Dhawan

Dubai, Sept. 27: India opener Shikhar Dhawan on Thursday said there was “no shame” in his disastrous run of form in the Tests against England as his plans did not work out despite giving his all.

Dhawan, whose place in the Test team is under threat for the home series against the West Indies, seemed unfazed about a possible axe. The batsman, who has made a Test comeback in the past on the basis of his stellar showing in whiteball cricket, is back amongst the runs in the ongoing Asia Cup.

“I think it always helps when you perform well ( irrespective of the form). Agar fayda hona hoga to ho jayega, nahi hona hoga to nai hoga ( we will see if my current form helps me in Tests). Whenever I play, red ball or white ball, I utilise whatever knowledge I have of the game,” said Dhawan on the eve of the Asia Cup final against Bangladesh here.

“If you talk about the England Test, I did not do well but I gave it all. Others played better than me. I accept it. There is no shame in it. Then I came here to play white ball cricket, had different plans because of different conditions. Sometimes they ( plans) work sometimes they don’t,” the stylish lefthander said in his defence.

Talking about Friday’s final, Dhawan said Bangladesh will pose a stiff challenge even though India beat them comfortably in Super Four.

“Pakistan may be a bigger team on paper but Bangladesh played better cricket than them and are in the final again. They are always tough to beat, especially at home. They are showing by performances they have gotten so much better. They know how to play under pressure.

“They play fearlessly a g a i n s t big teams and you have to appreciate that. Having said that, it takes time ( to win major events). For them reaching the final is a also a big thing. Hopefully, we will win tomorrow but you will see them crossing the barrier in some other tournament.”