Champions Trophy: In-form Dhawan proving critics wrong again

Karan Dewan 19:21 09/06/2017
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  • For Shikhar Dhawan – a man whose place in the Indian team has always been under scrutiny for one reason or the other – his form in the ICC Champions Trophy so far deserves positive recognition.

    The batsman, who has had to cope with the pressures of replacing Virender Sehwag for much of his career and bared heavy criticism for lean patches of form with the bat, has proven he is a key player for his country in England.

    After scoring a fluent 65-ball 68 against Pakistan in India’s Group B opening win, you could tell the 31-year-old walked out to bat at the Oval on Thursday with a swagger of confidence.

    Indeed, his knock of 125 in the defeat to the Sri Lankans – his 10th one-day international century, oozed class and he was the mainstay in their first innings total of 321.

    Remarkably, Dhawan (968) has scored the more runs in ODI tournaments since 2013 than any other batsman. Yes, you heard right, more than the likes of Kumar Sangakkara (763) and AB de Villiers (624).

    Indeed, his average in 50-over tournaments, 69.14 – is quite phenomenal but a far cry from his overall 44.36 effort.

    He has a habit of coming good for the big occasion and previously helped India to Champions Trophy success in 2013 (where he averaged over 90).

    Remember, when India’s squad for the Champions Trophy was named, there were some circles that wanted to see Gautam Gambhir, Robin Uthappa and others make the cut in place of the Delhi-born star.

    But here he was under the skies in London, with a certain degree of tranquility infused in him, all in accordance to India’s plans of not losing wickets early on and building a big partnership at the top of the order.

    He was focused, calm but hungry for runs, knowing it’s his territory, the Champions Trophy.

    Slowly the bat started flowing, glorious shots through the covers followed. Watch the highlights again and again and you will find that he played with a fine grace.

    Suranga Lakmal, Lasith Malinga, Nuwan Pradeep, Thisara Perera, he spared no one. Yes the pitch was good for batting, but a batsman still needs to time the ball, look for gaps, hit boundaries. Shikhar’s strokeplay enabled him to go about his business in the most attacking way possible.

    But in the midst of him looking to accelerate, making the most of stray deliveries onto his pads, Dhawan added an amusing moment to his innings.

    With the Indians placed at 166 for 2 and Perera steaming in, the batsman attempted to drive a good length delivery past the bowler, but it got an inside-edge nick onto his body and the ball just stayed in his crease.

    With the bowler and close-in fielders running to stop the single, Shikhar started hopping in and out of the crease, almost leapfrogging, while trying to confuse the bowler. Replays made it look like a tap dance of sorts.

    A few smiles were exchanged but soon he was back to focusing on getting India to the highest total possible.

    Then came the moment, with Dhawan on 97*, Pradeep bowled a delivery on the off stump line, not a bad ball but perhaps Shikhar was waiting for it, he made a little room, sliced it past point and got to his 10th ODI hundred.

    All of his cut shots had great conviction about them, the shots through the covers had been exquisite, the pulls and hooks were in total control; all in all a perfect recipe for a third Champions Trophy hundred.

    Opened arms, helmet in one hand, bat in the other, twirling moustache, a pat on the thighs; we all knew what was coming, didn’t we? He didn’t disappoint.

    His 125 off 128 was ultimately in vain as Sri Lanka chased 321 down with eight balls to go, but he put on a show for the fans and it was all delightful reminder that he is still a key man.

    Dhawan almost relishes the fight against adversity and enjoys taking on the critics. With a must-win match for India coming on Sunday against South Africa, his country will be hoping he can deliver once again.

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