‘It doesn’t bother me’ - Shikhar Dhawan responds to criticism

Indian opener and current stand-in captain Shikhar Dhawan said that he is not bothered by the outside noises people make after a couple of poor outings with the bat. 

The 36-year-old had a poor ODI series against England and as usual people started criticizing him for not scoring enough runs, despite being one of the most consistent Indian batters in the last few years.

Dhawan said that it has been there since the time he started playing for India and he would not have been where he is today if he had listened to those outside noises. 

“It does not feel strange. I have been hearing it for 10 years," Dhawan said when asked about the constant criticism of his performances, ahead of the first ODI against West Indies.

“It doesn’t bother me. 

“They keep talking, I keep playing. It does not matter to me. If it did, I would not have reached where I am today,” he added.

ALSO READ: India skipper Shikhar Dhawan’s message to teammates

My focus is on improving myself: Dhawan

Dhawan had a good start to the year 2022, scoring 169 runs in the three match ODI series, including two half centuries against South Africa in January. So, just after a couple of bad games against England, Dhawan is not worried about the constant criticism directed towards him. Rather, he is more focused on improving himself and doing well for the country.

“Everybody has their own views. 

“I know my job, how to execute it, what is needed. I’ve been doing this for so many years now. 

“Things may go adrift in a couple of matches but it doesn’t bother me. I keep analyzing myself, improving myself and that’s what matters.

ALSO READ: Injured Ravindra Jadeja likely to be rested for West Indies ODIs

Dhawan's views on leading team India again

In the absence of Rohit Sharma, Dhawan will be leading team India for the second time in a year. Other first choice players like Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya have also been rested for the three match ODI series.

Speaking about his role in the team as captain, Dhawan said:

“I'm very excited. It is always good to get a chance to work with young players. I feel I can share my experience with them, especially the mental aspect of how one can grow,” he maintained.

The last time Dhawan led team India was during the Sri Lanka tour last year with the Men in Blue winning the three-match ODI series by 2-1.

I won't change my playing style: Dhawan said about the constant pressure to deliver at the international level

“Pressure is always there in international cricket. But it will not change my personality or the way I play the game. I have a lot of self-belief in myself and in my team as well. We will go in with the will to win at any cost,” he concluded. 

India will be taking on the West Indies in a three match ODI series, starting from Friday (July 22) at the iconic Queen’s Park Oval in Port of Spain. The ODI series will be followed by a five match T20I series from July 29th to August 7th.