IND vs WI: I Know How To Convert 50s Into 100s, Says Shikhar Dhawan As Century Drought Continues In ODIs

Shikhar Dhawan, a veteran Indian batsman, insisted on Wednesday that he is content with his performance in the 50-over version of the game and is not concerned about losing out on hundreds in ODI cricket. Dhawan contributed significantly with the bat as he became the first Indian skipper to win an ODI series in the West Indies without losing a game. 

In the third and final ODI against the West Indies in Port of Spain, Trinidad, Shikhar Dhawan scored 58 runs off 74 balls while hitting 7 fours.

In the 23rd over of the Indian innings, after the acting captain won the toss and decided to bat, Dhawan was removed by leg-spinner Hayden Walsh Jr. just as he was seeking to increase the ante following a 113-run partnership with fellow opener Shubman Gill. 

Shikhar Dhawan Pleased With His Form

Shikhar Dhawan finished the three-match ODI series with 168 runs after scoring two half-centuries, including 97 in the first game in Port of Spain. After Gill, who garnered the Player of the Series honour for his 205 runs, Dhawan concluded the series as the second-highest run-scorer. 

Since the 2019 World Cup, Dhawan has not scored a hundred runs in ODIs. Dhawan, with a total of 1013 runs, including 10 fifty-plus scores, is the second-highest run scorer for India in the 50-over format since the World Cup in England. 

“I know how to convert 50s into 100s. Got out on 97 in the first game, even today I was good. I took a risk to up the run rate and got out, so it’s good regardless,” Dhawan said after India’s 3-0 series win. 

“I am quite pleased with my form, I have been playing this format for a long time,” he added. 

Shikhar Dhawan Feels Bad For Shubman Gill Missing Out On His First ODI Hundred

Dhawan felt bad for Gill since the weather prevented him from scoring his first ODI hundred. Rain caused the Indian innings to finish early with Gill still batting in the 36th over with 98 runs. 

When the first break occurred, India had 115 for 1 in 24 overs. However, when play began, the visitors upped the pace and scored 110 runs in the following 12 overs, with Gill and Shreyas Iyer attacking the cleansers. 

“It happens sometimes. The 98 was good. He timed the ball well. The way Shreyas and how everyone responded was great,” Dhawan said. 

Dhawan won’t play in the T20I series against the West Indies, but the senior opener appears to have done enough to maintain his spot in the lineup for the ODI World Cup, which will take place in India the following year. Dhawan’s dependability has kept him going despite being in and out of the starting lineup. 

My Boys Are Young But Played Maturely: Shikhar Dhawan

The veteran campaigner was effusive in his appreciation of the youthful group that blanked Nicholas Pooran’s team and wrote history in the West Indies. 

“My boys are young in age but played maturely. They showed common sense and handled themselves well. The whole team performed which is important,” Dhawan added. 

India’s five-match T20I series, which begins on July 29, will be captained by Rohit Sharma. 

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