I love MS Dhoni's tactics as a captain - Shikhar Dhawan

“I love Dhoni’s tactics” – Shikhar Dhawan

Shikhar Dhawan hasn’t had a good IPL 7, with the left-handed opener failing to replicate his last year’s form in the tournament. Sunrisers Hyderabad, led by Dhawan have had an up and down season so far, perched at 5th position in the points table and aiming to make it to play-off 2nd season in a row.

Dhawan had toiled in domestic circuits for year before getting his chance at the international level. However, in his first stint, he couldn’t make a big impact. In 2013 however, he made a brilliant comeback with a scorching 187 on his Test debut in Mohali against Australia. He was later named the skipper of Sunrisers Hyderabad and has made the opening spot his own in the national team.

In a conversation with iplt20.com, he revealed that only once he got realised he was performing to his expectations, did he take up the role of captaincy in the Hyderabad side.

“Only when I knew I was performing to my potential did I feel the need to captain a team. I have been performing well for the Sunrisers Hyderabad now and I believe that is the reason why I have been handed the responsibility of captaining the side. It has been an enjoyable experience so far leading the Sunrisers, and I would say a little dream has come true,” he said.

Inspired by Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s leadership qualities, the talented Dhawan said, “Having been in the Indian dressing room and having observed Dhoni from close quarters, I have begun to understand certain things while playing. I love his tactics and admire the way he can remain cool even in pressure-cooker situations.”

Dhawan admitted that he disliked getting involved in his bowlers’ plans. “My job is to ensure that my bowlers bowl according to their respective strengths. Also, I am beginning to learn to bluff when it comes to field placements and make the opposition batsmen play according to our plans,” the 28-year-old-said.

When asked if captaincy has affected his batting, he said, “I have just gone about batting the way I have been doing so all these years. Whether I am the captain or not, my way of batting does not change. I always think positive and dream big.”

“I am not someone who sets goals or targets. I believe in going with the flow and doing what is best for my country or any side that I am a part of,” he ended.