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A real innings of reassurance from Shikhar Dhawan
Shikhar Dhawan managed a mere 132 runs in the 7 innings after he had scored a breathtaking 187 on his debut Test match at Mohali. His confidence must have been low, and it’s only natural for him to feel the pinch.
A patient knock, unusual one from Shikhar
His 3rd ball duck in the 1st innings should have sent some serious jitters down his spine, but the way he came out alive and kicking in the 2nd innings showed intent and the urge of wanting to do well at this level. He exhibited ambiguity in the early stages of his knock, but once the adrenaline had settled down, it was a determined Dhawan wanting to make the opportunity given to him by Brendon McCullum count.
His 115 in 211 deliveries in the end proved futile to get Team India over the line, but personally, Dhawan has every reason to be satisfied.
Ishant Sharma had a good Test match with the ball
Of late, there’s been a lot of criticism on Ishant Sharma for his bowling performances at various instances in the last 6 months. He did well against South Africa in the 1st Test match at the wanderers in 2013, but his struggles in ODI cricket are proving to be rather perennial.
Need more of the same in the longer run
He went for 72 runs in the 9 overs he bowled in the 1st ODI against New Zealand on the tour, and a similar performance in the 2nd game saw him getting dropped for the 3rd one.
But his bowling in the 1st Test match was all about sticking to the task of being consistent with his line, and relied on that lateral moment, which was of assistance to him on the 1st morning of the Test match.
His match figures of 9-162 should have done him a world of good, and it only remains to be seen whether he can come up with another good showing in the 2nd Test match of the series.
Final touches
Totally gutted with the fact that Team India couldn’t finish off the game from a seemingly winning position, but keeping the faith on Dhoni and his troops to learn from their mistakes in the 1st Test match and improve their worrying overseas form in 2014.
After all, it’s tough being an Indian cricket fanatic at this present moment.
