Shikhar Dhawan roared back to form with a magnificent knock of 98 against England in the opening ODI. He was dropped from the T20I XI after the first match. Dhawan looked in fine touch during the opening ODI and stated that it’s in the mind of a person. If one feels it’s difficult it will be difficult.
"If you feel it is difficult, it will be difficult. I knew the ball was swinging and I couldn't play my shots. But we also knew that it would become a better pitch to bat as the game went on.
The track in Pune has often come under the scanner, nothing more than the surface it produced for the opening of the first match Test series against Australia which the visitors went onto win in just three days. The pitch during the opening ODI was one of those rare occasions that the bowlers always had something to play with but if the batsmen got their eyes in, run making became easier.
"I am absolutely happy because it was a great comeback by the team," Dhawan said while commenting on a sensational come from behind victory in the opening ODI. England were coasting to victory with the score reading 135/0 in 14 overs but from there it was the Indian bowlers who came back strongly and skittled out the visitors for just 251 runs.
"I put in pretty much all my efforts and eventually the smart work paid off," Dhawan further added.
Dhawan took his time initially but never looked like he was out of touch and even had to be the 12th man in the majority of the T20I series. The southpaw looked at complete ease against the likes of Mark Wood, Adil Rashid, Moeen Ali and the Curran brothers but eventually missed out on a well-deserved century.
"I kept myself positive during the T20 series, focussing on my fitness. I was in a good mental space and kept working on my batting. I knew that if I get a chance I will take it. The pressure is always there, I am experienced enough to handle pressure," he further added.
“I knew what shots to play and we have a knack to read the wicket correctly and communicate as a batting unit. Once I got set, I played my shots."
Dhawan slowed down considerably when he reached 90 but went smashed a boundary and tried for one more but was holed out at midwicket. However, Dhawan said he has no regrets in missing the century though he is a tad disappointed at missing out on his 18th ODI century.
"I do feel a bit disappointed but I am not a person who feels too sad or too happy. I played that shot in a rhythm, unfortunately, it went into the hands. There is always next time."