9 Interesting facts about Rishi Dhawan

For many years, India has yearned for an all-rounder that will add balance to the side. Rishi Dhawan may well just be that person. Despite the Indians preferring the likes of Hardik Pandya or even Parvez Rasool, Rishi Dhawan certainly has most of the qualities of a genuine all-rounder. His recent performances in the domestic circuit saw him get picked for the Australian tour. That said, here are a few facts about Rishi Dhawan, the future of Indian cricket.

1. Birth:

Rishi Dhawan was born in Mandi, Himachal Pradesh on the 19^th of February 1990.

2. Early Life & Personal life:

Dhawan’s early life revolved around cricket. Having made it in junior levels as a medium-paced bowler, Dhawan enhanced his batting skills as he moved up the levels. At the moment, he has established himself as a lower middle order batsman. Rishi Dhawan has a brother Raghav Dhawan who plays club cricket.

3. A fast bowler who can bat a bit:

Early on in his career, Rishi Dhawan had always been regarded as a bowler. However, following a few decent knocks with the bat, Dhawan was given a free license to bat up the order. He has also built a reputation as a finisher.

4. First-class career:

In 51 first class matches, Dhawan has amassed 2165 runs at an average of a little over 40. He has also picked up 220 wickets in these matches establishing him in the side as a complete all-rounder.

5. IPL career:

Dhawan was drafted to IPL franchise, the Kings XI Punjab in 2008. However, he didn’t play any IPL for the next 5 years due to form and fitness related issues. He was picked up by the Mumbai Indians in 2013 and then by the Kings XI Punjab once more in 2014. He currently is signed with the Kings XI Punjab.

6. ODI debut and stats:

Rishi Dhawan made his ODI debut in the third ODI against Australia at Sydney. His debut was a rather forgettable one as he made just 3 runs and bowled 5 overs without picking up a single wicket. He played the next two ODIs without making much of an impact. He wasn’t selected for the subsequent T20I series and the World T20 2016.

7. The ‘All-rounder’ tag:

Rishi Dhawan has always considered himself an all-rounder. “I consider myself to be a genuine all-rounder. I have batted at the top in junior cricket and this season I have started batting in the middle-order, which gives me more opportunities to prove my credentials with the bat,” Dhawan said.

8. Complete performance against Tripura:

Rishi Dhawan’s best performance perhaps came against Tripura in the Ranji Trophy in January 2015. Batting first, Dhawan made a useful 65 that propelled his side to 535 in the first innings. Dhawan’s heroics with the ball will be remembered for a long time. He took 7-93 in 29 overs as Tripura was bowled out for 346. He followed up this performance with 4-92 in the second innings.

9. Highest wicket-taker in a Ranji Trophy season:

Rishi Dhawan was the highest wicket-taker in the 2013-14 and the 2014-15 season. He picked up 49 and 40 wickets in each season respectively.