Have had more failures than successes: Shikhar Dhawan

Shikhar Dhawan walks to the pavilion after being dismissed in the World Cup semi-final against Australia

Indian opener Shikhar Dhawan said that his international success is down to his ability to deal with ‘inevitable failure’ and his acceptance that form is temporary. Dhawan has had a relatively successful international career, scoring 2507 runs in 61 ODIs and 823 runs in 13 Tests for India – cementing his place at the top of the Indian batting order over the last few years.

"Now I am seen as a successful cricketer but the fact is that I have had more failure than success. You are bound to undergo hardships and it has been no different for me. I have played about 60 odd games (ODIs) and scored only eight hundreds. A lot of the guys worry about their form, for me it is just about being persistent and patient," Dhawan told PTI after interacting with the kids at the Smile Foundation in New Delhi on Tuesday.

Dhawan has been a regular member of the team in all formats ever since he made a sensational Test debut in 2013, scoring a sublime 187 against Australia at Mohali. However, the setbacks have been many. There were many who called for his head in the lead-up to the 2015 World Cup owing to his poor form, but Dhawan bounced back in style – finishing the tournament being the 5th highest run-getter and India’s highest scorer with 412 runs.

“The Mohali Test has to be the most memorable match of my career. It was a dream come true for me. You can't like bat that regularly," said Dhawan about his Test debut.

"You have to have the persistence power, something that has helped me out over the years to deal with failures.”

Inspired by Yuvraj Singh: Dhawan

Dhawan is part of the Indian team who tour Bangladesh starting with a Test match on June 10, and Dhawan agreed that the hectic schedule the national team is faced with is a challenge to the players’ physical fitness.

"I just want to keep focussing tour by tour, prepare well. Fitness is also important as we play round the year. It is not that easy. You have to work on your fitness, maintain it. I try to do it whenever I have an off day.”

Asked to speak on those whom he idolises in the Indian team, Dhawan said, "When Yuvi (Yuvraj Singh) paaji hits the ball, he hits it really sweet, like no other. I was inspired by that. I realised I had to play like him to have success in international cricket. Consistency wise, I learnt a lot from [Cheteshwar] Pujara .

"The bowlers get tired in trying to dismiss him but he doesn't throw his wicket away. The bowlers end up scratching their heads eventually. So there is lots to be learnt from your teammates," he said drawing a laughter from the gathered kids.

Shikhar Dhawan and his family with children from the Smile Foundation