Shikhar Dhawan's Experience And Adaptability Would Be Useful In Many Many Ways: Laxman Sivaramakrishnan

Former Indian cricketer Laxman Sivaramakrishnan believes that Shikhar Dhawan’s presence brings a lot for the Indian side. Shikhar Dhawan will serve as India’s captain for the first time when it takes on Sri Lanka in three ODIs and three T20Is in Colombo from the 18th of July. Laxman Sivaramakrishnan underlined that the southpaw is definitely on the selectors’ minds ahead of the T20 World Cup.

Shikhar Dhawan’s spot for the T20 World Cup later this year came under doubt after his failure at the top against England at home. The 35-year old got axed after only one outing as India tried different opening combinations after that. But Dhawan stormed back into the discussion after a consistent run in the first half of IPL 2021. The Delhi Capitals ended as the highest run-getter in the by playing several match-winning knocks.

Laxman Sivaramakrishnan believes that Shikhar Dhawan’s experience would be invaluable, especially his ability to play well on different pitches. The cricketer-turned-commentator believes Dhawan needs to lead from the front in Sri Lanka and hopes his tremendous run in the IPL continues. Sivaramakrishnan underlined that the fact that the selectors picked him to lead in Sri Lanka indicates he remains in their plans.

“With experience and the ability to know what shots to play on different pitches, he’s going to be very very useful always. As captain, he needs to lead from the front, nothing like a captain succeeding. I’m sure Shikhar Dhawan is working hard and looking forward to this tour. He’s had a fair amount of success in the IPL. I hope he continues. The very fact that Shikhar has been taken to Sri Lanka, means that he is very much in the selector’s mind otherwise they would have sent somebody younger. He’s definitely there in the scheme of things,” Sivaramakrishnan told Hindustan Times.

He is going to be competing with players who are as good as him talent-wise: Laxman Sivaramakrishnan

Laxman Sivaramakrishnan further stated that Shikhar Dhawan could be unstoppable in Sri Lanka if he gets off to a solid start. But the 55-year old reminded that Dhawan has competition with KL Rahul and Prithvi Shaw – both of who are as good talent-wise. But the former spinner feels Dhawan is consistent enough to earn a spot in the T20 World Cup squad.

“He has done well for India in white-ball cricket. If Shikhar gets off to start against this Sri Lanka attack which is not the most difficult then he surely will be in the reckoning. He is going to be competing with players who are as good as him talent-wise. It will be a difficult decision for the selectors but having watched Shikhar from U-19 days, I hope that he comes good and does really well,” he added.

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