IND vs SA | We senior players are always there to help youngsters, reveals Shikhar Dhawan
Getty
Shikhar Dhawan has stated that the veterans of the national team make sure that the newcomers are comfortable and keep communicating with them to make them understand how to go about things. He also said that the ongoing series provided them with a great chance to prepare for next year’s World T20.
Having made his debut for the Men in Blue almost a decade ago, Shikhar Dhawan has accumulated 221 caps across formats over the years and is one of the most senior players in the dressing room. Hence, it is only natural that he has assumed the role of guiding the emerging prospects as they make their way into the team and helping them face the tough international arena. Of late, the team has seen a surge of youngsters getting frequent chances, be it Rishabh Pant, Shreyas Iyer, Hanuma Vihari or Washington Sundar.
"For senior players like us, say someone like Rishabh comes in to bat or Shreyas coming in, we make sure we communicate with them and make sure they are comfortable and not nervous. We make them think what is needed at that particular moment," Dhawan was quoted saying by News18.
The 33-year-old along with Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have made up the team’s core in the limited over formats for years now, leading India to several achievements along the way. The responsibility usually lies on them to ensure India does its job with the bat.
“That's what we do even when I am batting with Rohit or Virat, we keep discussing and that is very important. Communication is very, very important. Any time any youngster wants to discuss something with us, we are always there for them," he added.
The youngest player of the team at the moment is Washington Sundar. At just 19 years of age, he already has played in 11 T20Is picking up 12 wickets at an excellent economy of less than 6.2. Kohli has often given him the role of a powerplay specialist which the off-spinner has thrived in.
"Washington is bowling really good, giving us the breakthroughs and also choking the batsmen. He has got a very good control and variety as well,” Dhawan said.
With only a little more than a year remaining for the World T20, India is eager to finalize its combinations as early as possible to make sure the prospects get maximum preparation. The absence of Jasprit Bumrah has given Deepak Chahar the opportunity to spearhead the pace attack in the series against South Africa and the young players have all so far delivered.
"Even Deepak Chahar, he swings the ball both ways and at the same pace as well. It is the perfect platform for them to perform and build their confidence for the T20 World Cup," Dhawan concluded on the matter.
