Former Indian batsman VVS Laxman has said that Shikhar Dhawan has to maximise the opportunities on the upcoming tour of Sri Lanka in order to stake a claim for an opener slot in the Indian T20 side.
Laxman said that the competition for the opening position is very stiff as prolific batsmen as Kohli, and Rahul have either eye on it and hence Dhawan will have to pile on big runs to secure his position in the side.
“Shikhar Dhawan will be very clear that he has to use this opportunity – especially keeping in mind the T20 World Cup, there is so much stiff competition. So, while he is excited being the captain of the Indian team — and anyone will be proud to lead their country — but his focus will be to score runs and put his spot in a secure position,” Laxman said on Star Sports show Game Plan
“There is Rohit Sharma and K.L. Rahul – who are established opening batsmen. Virat Kohli, very clearly mentioned that he wants to open in T20 formats. So, Shikhar Dhawan has to be amongst runs.”
Notably, Dhawan was overlooked in the last four T20 of the series against England as the likes of KL Rahul and Virat Kohli took his position alongside Rohit Sharma at the top of the order.
Dhawan has been a prolific opener for India in the ODIs but has not been able to replicate his success in the shortest format.
The selection committee recognised his experience and consistency with the bat by promoting him as the leader of an Indian team without Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, but for the T20 World Cup scheduled for the end of this year, the only thing that will matter will be the runs from his bat.