IND vs ZIM: Shikhar Dhawan Is Continuing His Job When The World Is Against Him ‐ Aakash Chopra

Cricketer-turned-commentator Aakash Chopra lavished praise on Indian opener Shikhar Dhawan for his crackling performance in the first ODI against Zimbabwe.

Indian openers Dhawan and Shubman Gill starred in a clinical performance by the visitors to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.

Shikhar Dhawan, Shubman Gill thump Zimbabwe by 10 wickets in first ODI

Gill (82 not out off 72 balls) and Dhawan (81 not out off 113 balls) mustered their third 100-plus stand in the last four innings to take India past the finishing line with 115 balls to spare.

The openers bided their time and showed no haste in the chase, playing their natural strokes and not letting the hosts get into the game at any moment. Dhawan was watchful with Gill dealing with the new ball.

Dhawan hit nine boundaries in the course of his 38th half-century and added 192 runs with Gill. Dhawan comes from a fresh ODI series against the West Indies, amassing 168 runs in three games at 56.

Dhawan was initially named the captain for Zimbabwe ODIs only to be demoted after KL Rahul recovered with complete fitness.

Shikhar Dhawan is continuing to do his job: Aakash Chopra 

Chopra said Dhawan is not bothered with the external noise over his axing from the ODI team and is delivering at his best.

“It is a simple story for Shikhi boy (Shikhar). The guy scores runs whenever he gets an opportunity. So I am extremely happy, Shikhi boy keep going. Backs to the wall, the world is against you but he is continuing to do his job because he is a happy-go-lucky guy,” Chopra said on his YouTube channel.

“He was the captain for the series, suddenly KL Rahul is para-dropped and he doesn’t remain the captain. When he was asked, he said how does it make a difference to him, he is happy KL is back, he will just play his flute and do the same with the opposition team as well,” he added.

India will play the second ODI against Zimbabwe on Saturday (August 20) at the Harare Sports Club.

Also Read: Salute To Cheteshwar Pujara And Shikhar Dhawan For Their Drive And Passion – Mohammad Kaif