Shikhar Dhawan calls for consistency of Indian batsmen in Delhi Capitals’ squad

Indian opener Shikhar Dhawan joined the rest of the Delhi Capitals squad here on Sunday after having taken part in the recently concluded One-Day series against the visiting Australian team. The left-handed opening batsman also took part in an internal friendly T20 match organized by the Delhi Capitals to prepare themselves for the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League (IPL). 

The stylish left-hander seemed delighted upon his return to the capital city and said he is looking forward for a stellar season with the Capitals. “It is like a second home-coming for me, and I am very excited to be a part of the Delhi Capitals for the IPL season. It is a very happy feeling for me to have come back to my home city of Delhi after spending 10 seasons away in the IPL,” said Dhawan.

He continued, “Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium has been my home ground since my early days, and I will be doing my best to perform for the team as I know the conditions and pitches well. Apart from that, I will also be looking to help our younger players get used to the pressure of playing in such a big tournament, and hopefully I can spur them on to perform on the field to the best of their abilities.”

Dhawan also spoke on the importance of having a right balance in the team, and feels that the Delhi Capitals have managed to build a great team this year. “In IPL, the team who wins the trophy is always the one who has the best balance in the squad. Our team this year is also very balanced as we have good all-rounders, spinners and batsmen. The most important thing for us will be that our Indian batsmen play well and our top 4-5 batsmen are Indian, so I am expecting a great season ahead,” said the 33-year-old. 

For Sunday's internal friendly T20 match, the squad was divided into two teams - Team 1, led by Rishabh Pant, who joined the squad over the weekend, and Team 2 - led by Shreyas Iyer. Team 1, batting first, put on a massive 194-5, during which captain Pant smashed 52 off 31 balls. Team 2 fell short of the target by 23 runs in the end, finishing at 172/7. But Shikhar Dhawan's 53 off 41 balls, and captain Iyer's quickfire 40 off 28 balls was good news for the Delhi Capitals franchise ahead of the season. Jalaj Saxena, playing for Team 1, was the pick of the bowlers with figures of 3-36 from his 4 overs. 

24th March 2019, Sunday - Mumbai Indians vs Delhi Capitals at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai

26th March 2019, Tuesday - Delhi Capitals vs Chennai Super Kings at Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium, New Delhi

30th March 2019, Saturday - Delhi Capitals vs Kolkata Knight Riders at Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium, New Delhi

1st April 2019, Monday - Kings XI Punjab vs Delhi Capitals at PCA Stadium, Mohali

4th April 2019, Thursday - Delhi Capitals vs Sunrisers Hyderabad at Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium, New Delhi