VVS Laxman and Irfan Pathan open up on how Shikhar Dhawan will be keen to cement place for T20 WC 2021

India’s 20-member squad is gearing up to face Sri Lanka in the limited-overs series starting from July 13. The team is being led by Shikhar Dhawan and coached by Rahul Dravid. After serving three days quarantine upon reaching Sri Lanka, the squad will begin phased training soon and be in readiness to take on the Lankan Lions.

Dhawan who got this opportunity to lead India, sans the first-choice players, is humbled by this honor. The southpaw had a stellar run in the Indian Premier League (IPL) for Delhi Capitals this season and also was been one of the pillars in the Indian team at the top. Apart from that, he also gets along pretty well with a lot of the players and always keeps the mood light by being cheerful and happy.

With the squad relatively young and inexperienced, a lot will depend on skipper Dhawan at the top. But that’s not the only goal he has in his mind. Apart from these six white-ball matches, the southpaw will also look to push his case for the ICC T20 World Cup 2021, which is just four months away.

While speaking on Stars Sports Show Game Plan, former India middle-order batter VVS Laxman spoke on how Dhawan will look to get into the reckoning during the T20 World Cup.

“First thing, I think he is being rewarded for his consistent performance for the Indian Team, – especially in white-ball cricket – and he is the most experienced player in this squad. But Shikhar Dhawan will be very clear that he has to use this opportunity – especially keeping in mind the T20 World Cup, there is so much stiff competition. “

“There is Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul – who are established opening batsmen. Virat Kohli, very clearly mentioned that he wants to open in T20 formats. So, Shikhar Dhawan has to be amongst runs. So, while he is excited being the captain of the Indian team – and anyone will be proud to lead their country – but his focus will be to score runs and put his spot in a secure position.”

Irfan Pathan feels Shikhar Dhawan will be excited about the leadership role

Former India allrounder Irfan Pathan too feels Dhawan will be keen to make the most of this opportunity during the ODI and T20I series against Sri Lanka. “He is a very fun-loving guy. Whenever you meet him, he is always laughing, very cheerful. The youngsters will be very comfortable around him. And I think, as a leader, he will have a point to prove – not to anyone, but for himself. Because last time he was leading an IPL side, that was not a very fruitful move for him, but that was so many years ago.”