Shikhar Dhawan relishes competition for opening slots

Indian opening batsman Shikhar Dhawan has fallen off the pace quite a bit in the last year or so. With KL Rahul coming into the side and performing as well as he had in recent times, it seems clear that Dhawan’s place in the side is under severe threat. However, that said, the 31-year old relishes the battle for the opening slot that he is currently facing at the moment.

“KL Rahul has batted well in Test cricket as well as in T20 cricket and his form is good for the team. It’s actually good to have competition. There are others who are also competing to get into the Indian team as well. This is how it goes and it’s good for Indian cricket,” Shikhar told media persons.

“I was dropped during the last T20 game in the US and I motivated myself to raise my standard. First I look outside for help and then get the solution within,” Dhawan explained.

Finally, speaking about the difference between friendship and performances, Dhawan said that it was all about levels. “Performance at the highest level is what matters and as far as friendship is concerned that is on a different level. You can’t mix these two things,” Dhawan said.

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“He is an inspiration to our team. We look up to him for his aggressive attitude and he is also a knowledgeable person. It is a great thing to have him as a coach,” he said.

Finally, opening up about the New Zealand series, Dhawan said, “New Zealand has some good players like their captain Kane Williamson and Tim Southee. They can make an impact in the series.

“At the same time, it could be a spinning track in the series. So, the New Zealand spinners can also do a good job. I believe one of their spinners, Mitchell Santner, who bowled well in the World T20 here has also come with the team,” Dhawan pointed out.