Press Trust of India
Perth, Feb 27: ndian opening batsman Shikhar Dhawan stated here Friday that two back-to-back good knocks have increased his confidence and he will benefit from it when India face UAE here Saturday.
“Certainly, it gives you a good feeling when you have played a couple of good knocks,” Dhawan stated when asked about how confident he was before going into the UAE game. “But then every match is new and you have to start afresh. But I am confident that I will succeed again.”
The opener stated that hard work ethics and minor changes in technique have contributed to his success in the first two games of the World Cup. “Those minor changes will not be noticeable to the naked eye,” stated Dhawan. “Also I continued to work hard even when runs were not coming.”
Just like some of his teammates have said time and again, Dhawan also spoke about the impact that team director Ravi Shastri has had on the team. “Of course, his presence is a big factor for our side. He’s always given me lot of confidence, infused positivity, especially when I needed it. Ravi bhai has a strong presence and is one of the central voices of this support staff. If I score runs, it is because of my teammates and the support staff,” the Delhi-lad said.
Asked about whether the bounce on offer at the WACA, will help his game, Dhawan answered, “Yes, you can say that I’ve got used to the bounce finally (laughing). I have lot of shots in my repertoire and enjoy playing them. It’s good to see that the shots are coming off the way I want them.”
Dhawan’s wife Ayesha is an Australian of Indian origin and he does spend a lot of time in Melbourne with her and their three children, something that he finds fulfilling. “Australia is a very beautiful country and very systematic. I’ve got a home here now and my family lives here. So I enjoy coming over here. This time I have spent some quality time with them. It has helped me t relax,” Dhawan stated.