Dhawan enjoys battle for opening slot
India opening batsman Shikhar Dhawan says he doesn't mind having to battle for his Test place, and feels that the strong competition from Murali Vijay and KL Rahul is good for the India team in the long run.
While Vijay is relatively set at one end as opener, Dhawan and Rahul have been batting back and forth this year, with Dhawan dropped in Australia and Rahul scoring a ton, and then Dhawan making a ton against Bangladesh recently when Rahul was ill.
Now they will go to Sri Lanka for a Test series, and will compete for the other slot, or even both play if Vijay is jettisoned for some reason, but Dhawan says he doesn't mind the uncertainty.
Dhawan said: "I think it is a good thing for Indian cricket that there is so much competition for the opening slot. Players put in more effort because you can be kicked out if you don't play well and make mistakes.
"I take it positively and try to ensure that I give my best. It is going to be a good series. They have also got a young side and we also don't have a mature Test side, so it is going to be a good competition."
Dhawan is famous for scoring a very fast century on his Test debut against Australia, and along with the likes of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, India's batting order cannot be accused of plodding along, which Dhawan says is a good thing.
He added: "In Test cricket now, you also need players who can score quickly, it has become very important because sometimes in second innings or first innings if you score quickly it helps the team.
"I have always been like that (aggressive with the bat), so it doesn't bother me. I just try to keep it simple. If I get a good delivery, I just defend it and If I get a loose ball then I hit it and make runs."
Asked if he would be playing his usual aggressive brand in Sri Lanka, he added: "It depends on the wicket. If the wicket is turning, it will be difficult for the batsman to play the spinner. Then you have to be more careful.
"You can't go and play your shots easily on a fast-bowling track also. You have to respect the bowler and every batsmen have their way of tackling the spinners."
Latest
-
NewsSilverwood unlikely to try Stokes-Buttler IPL job swap for England
Ben Stokes was promoted to the top of the order and Jos Buttler slotted in down at number five for Rajasthan Royals recently.
-
NewsRassie upbeat ahead of T20 series despite contrasting build-ups
South Africa have not played together since March while England had a full international programme over the summer.
-
NewsTendulkar suggests plan to stifle Smith
Indian legend Sachin Tendulkar has offered some advice to India’s bowlers on how to deal with Australia’s star batsman Steven Smith.
-
NewsIndia suffer double blow as Rohit and Ishant ruled out
India will have to do without the services of Rohit Sharma and Ishant Sharma during the first two Tests against Australia.
-
NewsSam Curran stars as England get creative in internal T20 practice match in Paarl
Jos Buttler’s XI coasted to victory over Eoin Morgan’s team, with a second target then hastily set to gain more practice time.
-
NewsKagiso Rabada reiterates BLM support as South Africa opt against taking knee
The Proteas will not take a knee during the forthcoming series against England.
-
NewsOlly Stone ready to ‘bash down the door’ after England recall
The Warwickshire paceman was included in the one-day international squad against South Africa and impressed in an intra-squad warm-up game.
-
NewsSam Billings striving to make sure he keeps place in ‘phenomenal’ England side
Billings and Joe Root put on 103 for Jos Buttler’s XI in a 40-over intra-squad warm-up victory in Cape Town.
-
NewsJoe Root hits decisive 77 as Jos Buttler’s team triumph in England warm-up match
The 23-man squad was split in two for the 40-over practice match in Cape Town, with Team Eoin Morgan challenging Team Buttler.
-
NewsJoe Root hits 77 as England warm-up in Cape Town ahead of South Africa series
England split their squad into two teams for a 40-over practice match.