“Want to be an asset, not a liability”: Shikhar Dhawan on his career development for the Indian team

Behind Shikhar DhawanIts cheerful exterior is an intense “spirit man” who has made peace with representing India in just one format. With his 37th birthday approaching, Dhawan made a promise to himself. “Until I play for India, I want to be an asset, not a liability,” Dhawan told PTI in an exclusive interaction after leading India to win the ODI series in the West. India. From the start of 2020 until the end of the West Indies series, Dhawan played 22 ODI games and scored 975 runs in 10 half-century, the highest by an Indian smash by distance.

“I’m a calm, mature person. The performance is a reflection of my experience,” Dhawan said when reminded of his extraordinary numbers.

“My basic knowledge was pretty solid and I put a lot of effort into improving my technique. Understanding a format is also very important. I understand the dynamics of the ODI format and that has helped me a lot. “, he added when probed further.

So what is the process to maintain consistency in ODIs at a time when bilateral T20Is are taking precedence. Besides, is there also a significant gap between the two series of more than 50? “I never let this feeling creep into my system that ‘Oh my God, I’m just playing a format or I’m playing a bunch of ODI movies after a long time. Will my body respond well to the rigors of international cricket? Honestly, I don’t like to entertain these thoughts,” the initiator said of his thought process.

“I view it like this. If I’m playing a format after a two-month or three-month period, it always gives me the opportunity to stay fresh and get into the battle that’s completely relevant and given the right amount of time. time to work on my game.” For Dhawan, it is more important to appreciate what he has than to disparage what he does not have.

“I always count my luck and if I’m playing a format for India I should try to make the most of it and give my best. I’m a very positive person. You won’t find it. a negative bone in my body,” he smiled.

Dhawan feels that fitness wise, he is getting better with age.

“I think now, at 36, I’m healthier than ever and skill wiser, I’ve gotten better. Gym sessions, skills sessions, running and yoga, these four things. are core aspects of my training,” he added.

In the end, Dhawan didn’t play redball cricket at first-class level and didn’t have much time outside of IPL where he could work on his game, something that has really worked for him.

“When I’m not competing, I train at my own academy in Gurgaon. I mostly do netball training there. I try and hire some quality pitchers. Also, stay in and out. around Gurgaon, you have some good facilities and lots of nets. archers are ready to come and paint you.”

“As a leader, you need to attract people with the best smile”

Dhawan will soon lead India in a series of away games in Zimbabwe, and is also likely to lead South Africa at home in October, when the first team will travel to Australia for the T20 World Cup.

While he fully understands it’s a temporary role, the 155 ODI veteran with nearly 6500 runs is enjoying every minute of it.

“As a leader, my first instinct is to go with a pitcher’s plan. I ask them what that plan is and what exactly they want in the correct setup. At the level At the highest level, everyone is a heavyweight expert who is there because they know their job well.” He appears in the picture, with his plan B, only as archers. failed to carry out their plans.

“But yeah, if their plan doesn’t work, there’s obviously a need for a Plan ‘B’ and I’m in.

“If a pitcher gets hit within some boundary, he’s bound to be under pressure and that’s when the captain needs to put his arm around his shoulder.

“But then also politely encourage him to say ‘listen your plan doesn’t work, so why don’t you try my plan for a change?'”, so essential at the elite level .

“As a leader, when you start interacting with players, after a while you get to know how they react to situations.

“No two players are alike and the way you handle each of them will also be different – with some you need to be a little more tolerant, with some you need to be more self-centered. little bit. That’s the beauty of a leader. You have to give them love and get the best out of them.” While he understands that he is an independent captain, Dhawan remains in touch with his opening teammate and regular captain, Rohit Sharma, while the latter rests.

“Obviously, I speak to Rohit because he’s the main leader. So when it comes to continuity, you need to discuss and consult with him. The vision of the team is paramount. important to all of us.”

“Have good communication with Rahul bhai”

Head Coach Rahul Dravid very big on communication, something that helped Dhawan express his ideas.

“It’s always been a two-way street between the captain and the coach, and that’s the case with me and Rahul bhai. Any decisions that are made are collective,” he said.

“In meetings, every individual is free to express his or her opinion, and once we have a wide range of opinions, we decide together what’s best. This way you empower. for everyone to think about and at the same time decide what’s best for the group.” he reasoned.

Failure and Spiritualism

For Dhawan, “balance in and out of the yard” is very important, in theory and in practice.

“I’ve been a balancer my whole life. If you look at my career, I played the 2004 U-19 World Cup where I was the top scorer. But then, I had to wait 9 years before making his test debut (2013, Mohali), “Dhawan recalls his waiting years despite being a heavyweight goalscorer in domestic cricket.

“It took me almost a decade from the India facility to the Test cap, and it wouldn’t have happened, if I hadn’t been patient and kept a positive attitude.” For the past four years, he has been learning to play the flute, and in fact, he has received a lot of traction on social media for his performance. Jagjit Singh classic ‘Hothon se chulo tum, mera geet amar kar do’.

Playing the flute was a stress for him, and practicing spiritualism after facing some personal setbacks gave his life new meaning.

“In my personal life, I have also witnessed ups and downs, and I have been able to get through those difficult times thanks to spirituality. I listen to the teachings of mind masters. spiritual beings like Shivani didi and Gaur Gopal Das. Listening to their teachings brought in a certain sense of calm within me,” he said.

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He signed on to his life philosophy.

“To have a blessed life, you need to have a blessed mind first.”