ICC World Cup 2019 | Shikhar Dhawan answered criticism beautifully, says Sachin Tendulkar

Shikhar Dhawan blasted 117 runs of 109 balls against Australia at the Oval and stayed on until the 37th over. He scored his third World Cup century in the process that took his tally to six centuries in ICC tournaments. Only Sachin Tendulkar and Sourav Ganguly have more hundreds, that is seven, in ICC tournaments. And Tendulkar backed Dhawan to break his record stating that a century in the quadrennial event is a special feeling.

“Shikhar Dhawan answered it (criticism) beautifully. He scored a brilliant hundred today. He must be feeling fantastic . That’s one special feeling. When you go to the hotel room and look at the mirror, you say ‘wow I have done something special’,” said Sachin, reported India Today.

Dhawan was hit on his thumb in the ninth over of the innings and looked to be in some discomfort. The Delhi player did not come to take the field in the second innings but continued to bat until his dismissal. Sachin termed the 33-year-old as a fighter.

“Once you play for India, it’s a huge honour. These injuries take place every now and then, that doesn’t mean you leave the field and return to the pavilion. Having known the fighter Shikhar is, only when his thumb is completely gone and he can’t hold a bat, he would have gone back. I am not surprised Shikhar hung in there and made it count,” he expressed.

Australia are always a formidable team in the World Cup, having won the trophy the highest five times. India had won only one match against Australia at the showpiece event in the 21st century while losing three, however, the Virat Kohli led side notched up a win at The Oval. Sachin termed the victory against the Kangaroos as a special one.

“When it comes to Australia, they have always had serious teams. They know how to play big tournaments. It’s a really special win for us. It gives us the important early momentum. It’s about continuing to roll. All about following the process and giving the push at various stages,” remarked the legendary batsman.

The former India skipper also credited the entire team for its all-round and clinical performance.

“The fantastic start that we got and then each and every player that walked in contributed brilliantly. When we started bowling, we kept things under control. We put a lot of pressure on their openers,” signed off the 46-year-old.