‘Run of games key to Shikhar Dhawan’s ODI breakthrough’

London: Shikhar Dhawan has been the star of Team India’s batting in the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy, so the question now being asked is where was the talented 27-year-old until now and why was he not part of the international set-up a long time ago?

Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who has overseen the progress of many youngsters in his role as captain, revealed how tough it is if a talented youngster does not utilise the opportunities that comes their way.

Dhawan played five One Day Internationals in 2010/11 with a top score of 51, before being overlooked by the India selectors until his dramatic Test debut against Australia in the winter, when he scored a debut century off just 85 balls.

As an opener, his route to the team was routinely blocked by Virender Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir, but with the veteran pair now out of favour, Dhawan has seized his chance at the top of the order alongside Rohit Sharma, scoring 114, an unbeaten 102 and 48 in the tournament so far.

“Shikhar and I batted together in the Challenger Trophy years ago. Obviously, it was slightly different for me [getting into the India team], as I was a wicket-keeper.

“At that time we had quite a settled batting line-up, or the opening pair at least, and it was tough for him,” Dhoni said.

“Dhawan got a bit of a chance in the middle, three years ago if I’m not wrong. But the problem is, when you get games on and off, you don’t really know whether you will play the next game. That really affects the thinking of a cricketer.

“Now what has happened is that, during this stint, he has had a few games and showed where he needs to be.

“He is sure about the fact he’ll get a few games, which gives him time to settle down and means he isn’t pushed to thinking about what will happen if he doesn’t perform in this particular game. He has also realised what are the areas that he needs to improve.”

Dhawan downplayed his form, saying: “I just watch the ball and play the ball and enjoy my batting. I even enjoy the pressure.”