Dhawan sings Dhoni's captaincy praises

Cricket365
May 17, 2014

Sunrisers Hyderabad captain Shikhar Dhawan says he is only able to lead his side thanks to the mentorship of India skipper MS Dhoni, saying he has learned on the job while watching Dhoni in his India role.

Dhoni captains India in all three formats and Dhawan has relished the chance to watch him while playing for the national side, learning about tactics and handling pressure, which Dhoni is especially adept at when batting at the death.

Dhawan said: "Having been in the Indian dressing room and having observed Dhoni from close quarters, I have begun to understand certain things while playing. I love his tactics and admire the way he can remain cool even in pressure-cooker situations."

The India star said he hadn't thought about being captain of any side for a long time, and wanted to make sure his batting was up to par. But now that he's found his international feet, he's enjoying the new role.

He added: "Only when I knew I was performing to my potential did I feel the need to captain a team. I have been performing well for the Sunrisers Hyderabad now and I believe that is the reason why I have been handed the responsibility of captaining the side.

"It has been an enjoyable experience so far leading the Sunrisers, and I would say a little dream has come true.

"I have just gone about batting the way I have been doing so all these years. Whether I am the captain or not, my way of batting does not change. I always think positive and dream big.

"I am not someone who sets goals or targets. I believe in going with the flow and doing what is best for my country or any side that I am a part of."

The Sunrisers have an impressive bowling attack on paper, spearheaded by South Africa paceman Dale Steyn. While they have not been as impressive in reality, Dhawan says he tends to let bowlers do their own thing.

He said: "My job is to ensure that my bowlers bowl according to their respective strengths. Also, I am beginning to learn to bluff when it comes to field placements and make the opposition batsmen play according to our plans.

"Smartness and flexibility to change plans according to the situation would be a style that I would want to employ in my captaincy. I'm happy to captain the side and open for discussions with my bowlers."