Sunrisers Hyderabad opener Shikhar Dhawan took a different approach to batting in T20s as he scored a composed 50 off 42 deliveries against Royal Challengers Bangalore that helped seal a comfortable win on Monday.
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While fellow opener David Warner went hammer and tongs, scoring 57 from just 27 deliveries, and even young batsman KL Rahul scored at a brisk pace (44 from 28 balls), Dhawan dropped the anchor and stayed until the end to seal victory.
It’s a strategy that the left-handed batsman is happy to employ, even though it’s not his natural game.
Our @SDhawan25 was in Gabbar mode yesterday, playing all his shots, and batted till the very end. #SRH #OrangeArmy pic.twitter.com/ujcbkLCLt3
— SunRisers Hyderabad (@SunRisers) April 14, 2015
“I am an aggressive player and resisting the temptation to play my shots is tough for me. But that’s the battle you have to win with your own mind. I reminded myself that I have a job at hand and that requires me to bat in a certain way,” Dhawan told iplt20.com.
“When Warner and (Kane) Williamson got out in two overs and Rahul came in, the need of the hour was to build a partnership because one more wicket would have put too much pressure on us.
“Even if I am feeling confident that I can hit a particular bowler, I have to refrain from doing so. It gives me immense satisfaction to know that I have the ability to stay disciplined and play according to the situation. My aim was to bat 20 overs and see the team home.”
The southpaw from Delhi added that the reason he is keen to bat a bit more cautiously is that the Hyderabad middle order is not too strong and the onus is on him and Warner to lead the way.
“Yes, the solidity of our batting lies with David and me. However, I won’t discount the guys who bat after us.
“Naman Ojha is a very good hitter of the ball and Rahul has shown how mature he is. Williamson again is an exciting young player and (Ravi) Bopara can hit in the lower order.
“We have just played two matches so far and it takes time to get the rhythm going. I believe we are getting there. Our strength in both batting and bowling was visible (against Bangalore). It shows that we are a well-balanced side,” added the 29-year-old.
