For Shikhar Dhawan, it’s pressure and not practice that makes man perfect

For Shikhar Dhawan, it’s time to hit back. The dashing left-handed opener had a terrific run in the just-concluded Asia Cup in the United Arab Emirates and he ended up as the highest scorer in the tournament and also the man of the series. His opening partnership with stand-in skipper Rohit Sharma gave India flying starts in most games with the second match against arch-rivals Pakistan standing out.

It did not take even a week for the 32-year-old southpaw to see a change in his fortunes. After facing a backlash over his ordinary show in England where he could manage just 162 runs in eight Test innings, Dhawan plundered 342 runs in five games in Asia Cup and hit two centuries in the competition, one against Pakistan.

On Saturday, Dhawan, popularly called “Gabbar”, posted a tweet saying more than practice, it’s pressure that makes one perfect. He said although there were moments of ups and downs in the tournament, it is the support and love that helped him stay in sound health (he wrote it in Punjabi). He also did not forget to mention the use of the razor which added to the refreshed look.

It may be mentioned here that a number of cricketers decided to get rid of their facial hair, partially or totally, in this Asia Cup and Dhawan was one of them. Dhawan was often criticised in England over his technique and it was perhaps a reply to his critics that he flourishes more under pressure than doing practice to hone his skills.

Dhawan’s place in Tests still not confirmed

Though Dhawan excelled in the ODIs, his place in the team as an opener in Tests is still not confirmed for the upcoming series against the Windies at home. However, Dhawan recently said that he was not worried over the outcome for it is giving the best that matters more for him.

If Dhawan also turns into a limited-overs specialist from here on, like his opening partner in the limited overs Rohit, then it could be a blessing in disguise for him in the run-up to the next World Cup scheduled in England between May and July next year. Dhawan will one a major pillar of the Indian batting line-up in their quest for the world title.

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