Want Dhawan to spend more time in the middle: Dhoni
Indian skipper MS Dhoni seemed confident about his team’s overall preparations for the Asia Cup final on Sunday and said that he was happy to see opener Shikhar Dhawan spending more time at the crease. Dhawan scored 16 runs off 20 balls in India’s nine-wicket victory against UAE on Thursday.
After a struggle in the tournament scoring 2 and 1 against Bangladesh and Sri Lanka respectively, Indian opener Shikhar Dhawan took an uncharacteristic approach against UAE and scored 16 runs off 20 balls. But, skipper MS Dhoni seemed happy about the opener spending time in the middle and said that “he do not want him to look for too many runs too soon. “
"It was important for him (Dhawan) to spend time in the middle. As the tournament progresses, the wickets will move towards the slower side. I did not want him to look for too many runs too soon. I wanted him to play at least 25-30 deliveries.
"If the opportunity provides (considering small chase), then why not," Dhoni said backing the Delhi batsman.
The skipper also lauded the performance of pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who took two wickets for eight runs in a spell, which included two maiden overs.
"He (Bhuvneshwar) is a hard working guy. He always works hard in nets and gym, and that's something important for fast bowlers. The break has helped him increase pace and bowl quick. He used the break in
Pawan Negi, who made his debut, and veteran off-spinner Harbhajan Singh, also looked in good rhythm taking a wicket each. The skipper said that Negi was under pressure at the start but found his line and length after his first wicket.
"(Pawan) Negi was slightly under pressure in the first over as it's not easy to play for India. Straightaway he was under the pump. In the second and third over, he was more of himself which is what I wanted. If he is given a chance in the World T20, he should be fighting the opposition and not himself.
"Harbhajan was also good as he used the variation in pace very well," the skipper said.