IPL 2020: ‘I have full faith in myself’ says Delhi Capitals opener Shikhar Dhawan


IPL 2020: ‘I have full faith in myself’ says Delhi Capitals opener Shikhar Dhawan

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Shikhar Dhawan

Delhi Capitals (DC) opener Shikhar Dhawan had a lowkey start to the IPL as he could only get starts for his side before getting out. However, in the last two matches, the left-handed batter has come into his own and smashed two centuries in a row becoming the first person to do so. He is now sitting second on the run-scorers’ chart with 465 runs in 10 games.

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Dhawan got the first of his twin centuries against Chennai Super Kings in a winning cause. In a chase of 180, he struck an unbeaten 101 off 58 balls to see his side through to victory. The second century came in the first innings and in a losing cause. Dhawan got 106 off 61 deliveries but his fellow batters did not support him as DC could only muster 164 against Kings XI Punjab who chased it down with ease.

With four matches to go in the league stages and potentially 2-3 more in the playoffs, Dhawan is set to pose a huge threat to KL Rahul‘s hopes of bagging the Orange Cap.

‘I don’t like to have stress’ – Dhawan

Shikhar Dhawan

Speaking to ANI, the DC opener opened up on his form, the upbeat atmosphere in the DC dressing room and his international career. “I like to stay happy, don’t like to take stress. Firstly what people say doesn’t reach my ears and I don’t wish to listen to what is being said and secondly, I love playing and it gives me joy. I know the hard work I have done and how fit I am and the preparations that I have done. I have full faith in me that whatever I touch I will turn it into gold,” he said on how he doesn’t feel pressurized about others’ opinions.

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He then talked of DC head coach Ricky Ponting saying, “Ricky bhai said that I was batting well and I knew I wanted to play a little fast. I had a discussion on that also with him. I was happy with the 20s and 30s because they were impactful. What matters in T20s is how important those 30 runs were. I thought I was playing the role of the opener. The moment I got fifties, I gained in confidence and then by God’s grace I scored the centuries.”

Dhawan then said he didn’t care about stats or numbers. “If I keep thinking about scoring centuries, I will burden myself. My idea is to go out and give it my best shot. If I give it my best, the rest will follow. That also helps to keep me mentally light. Why should I add to my expectations?” he asked.

When asked about his journey in international cricket, Dhawan said, “You know dreams change with time. When I started thought will play U-16, then U-19, then India and so on. Luckily by God’s grace, my wishes have come true. Thought I had the potential and have tried to give it my best. My idea is that the day I leave, I shouldn’t have anything left to give.”

He was then asked about India’s tour of Australia that follows the IPL. Dhawan expectedly said he wasn’t thinking too much about it. He said, “Will think about it when the time comes. 10-15 minutes are needed to think about it. When you are experienced, you have gone and done well, you have that confidence in you. I am confident I will go and do well there.”

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Dhawan then signed off talking of how he always looks to enjoy everything in life. “What a person thinks is what counts. If you look at it and think it is difficult, it will be. But I look at it and think I can do so many things and focus on my hobbies. I look to enjoy and while I love my family, I have been used to travelling from childhood. Just enjoy ourselves and wait for the match days,” he signed off.

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