Rivalry for opening slot is good for Indian cricket: Shikhar Dhawan

The biggest headache for the Indian coach Anil Kumble and the skipper Virat Kohli will be the selection of the opening pair for the third Test against West Indies. KL Rahul, who came in as a replacement for the injured Murali Vijay impressed from the offset scoring 158 runs. With Vijay coming back from injury for the third Test, it makes for an interesting selection scenario.

Speaking about the stiff competition, Shikhar Dhawan said that it is good for Indian cricket. “There is a healthy competition in the team, which is very good for Indian cricket. Off the field, we are very good friends. I have been opening the innings with Vijay, so we get along well anyway and now Rahul is also a part of the group. We hang out together and go out to have dinners together.”

“Yes, we are competitors and fighting for a spot as all three are doing well simultaneously, but we enjoy each other’s success. It is beautiful yet a rare thing that sportsmen get to experience. We are large hearted and when one of us does well, all feel happy,” he added.

Despite competing against each other for the opening slot, they are keen in helping each other in the practice sessions keeping in mind the larger interest of the team. “The environment is such that we don’t even have to ask anyone for help, we just notice and go forward and help. This is the bond that our support staff wanted to create in the team. The on-field performance matters, but to reach there, such things help and matter,” he described.

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India batted just two times in the first two Test matches and scored over 500 runs on both occasions. The 5-batsmen batting group has responded well to the team combination. He said that the onus is with the batsmen to play responsibly. “It is our job to see that we don’t get out till the new ball loses it shine so that it becomes easier for others to follow.”

The 30-year old Shikhar Dhawan, who is a naturally attacking batsman has shown a lot of patience in the ongoing Test series. When asked about this, he said, “It was not really a target, but I had sensed that the West Indies bowlers won’t bowl fuller lengths for me drive the ball, which is my strength. I had to counter this by spending time in the middle and wait for loose balls. I know I have the ability to push the run-rate up even if I get off to a slow start.”

“It also depends on how I feel on the day and at that moment. If I am attacking and striking the ball, then I do it from the start. Personally, I feel that I need to have a thorough understanding of my attacking game and also the waiting game as both are equally important,” he added.

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He also added, “being a left-hander is a plus as the bowlers are forced to change their line and of course it is an advantage. The decision ultimately will be made by the captain and the support staff.”