IND vs SL: “Maybe I have to improve my skill” – Shikhar Dhawan on watching Suryakumar Yadav play

IND vs SL: “Maybe I have to improve my skill” – Shikhar Dhawan on watching Suryakumar Yadav play

Shikhar Dhawan

Shikhar Dhawan-led team India clinched a one-sided victory against Sri Lanka during the maiden One Day International (ODI) game on Sunday. The southpaw also emerged as the top-scorer of the match with his captain’s knock of 86* off 95 deliveries to finish the game.

After winning the toss, the SL skipper Dasun Shanaka opted to bat first and the hosts managed to post a respectable total of 263-9 on the board. However, India comfortably chased down the target inside the 37th over with seven wickets in hand. Youngsters Prithvi Shaw and Ishan Kishan played destructive knocks at the top while debutant Suryakumar Yadav also stayed not out after his flamboyant knock of 31* runs. 

Dhawan heaped massive praises for Prithvi and Ishan on the way they batted against SL. Moreover, the 35-year-old also joked that Surya’s batting made him rethink his own batting skills.

“When we batted, it was great to watch from the other end. Great strength to have them. The way the young boys play IPL, get so much exposure, their confidence level is very high. The way Prithvi and Ishan batted, they finished the game in the first 15 overs.

I thought about it (his hundred) but there were not many runs left. So the focus was on not being out. Even when Surya came in and batted, it looked so easy. I was like maybe I have to improve my skill,” Shikhar Dhawan said during the post-match press conference.

“Very happy with the way our boys played” 

Yuzvendra Chahal and Kuldeep Chahal in india team for sri lanka tour
Yuzvendra Chahal and Kuldeep Chahal bowled in tandem for team India after two years

The Delhi cricketer also hailed the three spinners Yuzvendra Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav and Krunal Pandya for bringing their side back during the first innings. The trio shared five of the nine wickets taken by the Indian bowlers at the R Premadasa International Cricket Stadium, Colombo.

“All our boys, most of them have played earlier. They’re very mature. Very happy with the way they played. Knew that wicket has a bit of turn but the way our spinners bowled from the 10th over, they got us back straightaway. All three spinners,” he added.

The second ODI match between India and Sri Lanka will take place on July 20 at the same ground.

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