Shikhar Dhawan - Reaching new heights

Shikhar Dhawan

Although he is new in the Indian team, Shikhar Dhawan is going to complete 28 years of age on 5-12-2013. Not exactly a youngster, but he is really talented. Of late, he has been giving sparkling performances in most of the matches for India. In both the formats of the game, he has got an excellent average – 46.88 in ODIs and a mind boggling 81 in tests. He has played for India, Delhi, Deccan Chargers, Delhi Daredevils, Delhi under 16, India A, Mumbai Indians and Sunrisers Hyderabad.

He has got another notable achievement to his credit – he has scored 5 centuries in just 28 ODIs. He had scored 187 in his very first test match as well. This speaks volume about the talent he possesses.

As usual, Shikhar Dhawan has struck again today, by given a much needed contribution of 119 runs. Off late, he has become the most consistent batsman for India. Many of the fans feel that Dhawan has got a distinct aggressive way of batting – and it works!

In today’s match, commentators were full of praise for Shikhar Dhawan, who has become a symbol of attacking cricket. He has also been displaying his excellent fielding skills – taking some marvellous catches and stopping certain boundaries. The way he keeps smiling during fielding is really something different. Perhaps it is this attitude which makes his batting meticulous.

He appears to be truly fearless. Its as if he knows that in case he gets out early this time, he will make it up in next innings. This is called an obsession for the game. Sometimes, it appears that he simply executes the shots in a pre-planned manner.

I remember that Sachin Tendulkar had once emphasized that it is the ability to read the ball early which makes or breaks a batsman. Dhawan has definitely got this skill.

He always looks comfortable and does not appear to be taking any stress under any given situation. He does not bother about getting out and rarely shows frustration on the field.

Also, unlike many other fellow batsmen, Dhawan normally gets into the rhythm very quickly and does not hesitate to play a shot even on the very first delivery. He is so unpredictable that bowlers fear him every time He has got excellent footwork and he gets plenty of time to play his shots.

A die hard fan of Dhawan and friend of mine often terms him as eagle eye. Appearently this is one of the reasons that his innings are so spell binding. His running between the wickets is real good.

He has been setting new standards in batting and many youngsters will be inspired by him. Hats off!