The Hindu : Focus on Shikhar Dhawan

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Sunday, Feb 29, 2004

Sport

Sport - Cricket

Focus on Shikhar Dhawan

By Our Sports Reporter

DHAKA, FEB. 28. With three centuries and a fifty under his belt in the ICC under-19 cricket World Cup so far (497 runs at an average of 99.40), India's Shikhar Dhawan is a strong contender — if not an automatic choice — for the Best Batsman of the tournament award.

However, it is the last thing on his mind. He has more immediate and important issues to deal with: guiding his side past Pakistan in the semifinals is the first of the two. The other, of course, is the cup.

A lot will depend on the left-handed opener from Delhi in Sunday's clash between the co-favourites. And he is well aware of this.

Pressure has never been an issue to him. "I play the ball on its merit," he said. His attitude to batting is akin to Virender Sehwag: early domination of the attack.

A class XI student of St. Mark's, Dhawan has no previous experience of playing against Pakistan. His first international exposure was the under-17 Asia Cup in Dhaka some two seasons ago where he was Man of the Match against Malaysia.

A natural left-hander, and an opener from the start, Dhawan has been under the influence of coaches Madan Sharma and Tariq Sinha ever since he took to the game seven years ago. He plays in Delhi's first division league for Sonnets Club where team-mate Aakash Chopra is his biggest influence. "I discuss my batting with him."

There is a touch of Chopra about his batting too — the staying power especially — which he displayed during the course of his century against Sri Lanka in the crucial Super-League contest when he helped the side recover from an early collapse, with Suresh Raina for company.

Dhawan has been a prolific run-getter in the domestic junior tournaments for a few seasons now and his promise was recognised by the DDCA, which named him among the Ranji probables this season.

Dhawan's heroes are Andy Flower for grit, Brian Lara for flair and Matthew Hayden and Adam Gilchrist for sheer aggression.

Sinha taught him the science of shuffling — the early across movement of the backfoot — which he says helps cover the swing. He has learnt about the mental side of the game from junior India coach Robin Singh, who described the 18-year-old as a "good student."

The only son of businessman Mahinder Pal and the youngest of three siblings, Dhawan has not restricted himself to one sport. "I play volleyball for my school," he said. This could be a reason for his quick footwork, which makes him adept against both pace and spin.

Four years ago, when India won the third edition of the event in Sri Lanka, Ravneet Ricky bagged the Best Batsman award. The Punjab opener had scored a century in the semifinals, against Australia, to guide the side to the title round.

Can Dhawan emulate Ricky's deed against a much-stronger opposition? We can only wait and see. But then, his first name is Shikhar, which means `the peak' in Hindi. The spirit is there. And he knows that choice, not chance, determines destiny.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Sport

News Update

Stories in this Section

Cricket

North gains first innings lead

It will be a great series: Wright

India better prepared

Focus on Shikhar Dhawan

No bowling coach sought, says Dalmiya

`India cannot call off tour unilaterally'

BCCI announces pension scheme

Shib Sankar simply superb

Aron's century helps UFCC upset SPIC

Tennis

Aisam Ul-Haq Qureshi lifts title

Nithyaesh, Megha corner glory

Nitin Kirtane posts win

Chess

Kasparov escapes with a draw

Siddaiah emerges sole leader