World Cup 2019 | India have strong side for World Cup, says Shikhar Dhawan
Shikhar Dhawan feels the selectors have done a commendable job in picking the 15-man squad for the upcoming World Cup in England and Wales. Dhawan, who has found some rhythm for DC of late, added that the side has benefitted massively from the combined experience of Ricky Ponting and Sourav Ganguly.
Yesterday, the MSK Prasad-headed selection committee announced the 15-man squad that will be captained by Virat Kohli with Rohit Sharma acting as his deputy. While backing the committeeâs picks, Dhawan said that the team would âperform really wellâ at the World Cup, which is scheduled to start on May 30.
âFor the World Cup we have a very good and a strong side and we are looking forward to the competition. We will perform really well once we get there," Dhawan said at an event organised by Fortis Healthcare and Delhi Capitals to raise awareness for organ donation, reported PTI.Â
Traditionally, Delhi Capitals have hardly been competitive in the history of the tournament, making the playoffs on only three occasions in 11 seasons. However, this time around Delhi, who currently sit second on the points table, have been a revelation under the leadership group that includes two former international captains in the form of Sourav Ganguly and Ricky Ponting. Dhawan has also credited the duo for the progress the Delhi Capitals side has made this season. Â
âThe support of the coaches Ricky Ponting and Sourav Ganguly... Their experience as a captain along with the belief they instill in us is great. At the same time the young boys in our team are also getting mature,â said Dhawan. Â
âIt has been a good season for us. It's a clean slate for the Delhi franchise, new name, new administration, support staff everyone was new. Our team is strong and is a balanced side with the overseas and Indian players. The way we are performing is good.â
Dhawanâs parched runs column was raising questions over his spot in the Indian team, but the southpaw rediscovered his mojo with an unbeaten 97 against Kolkata Knight Riders. He was unlucky to miss out on his maiden IPL century as Colin Ingramâs six handed DC a seven-wicket victory. Despite missing out on that elusive century, Dhawan was not disappointed by Ingramâs decision. Â
"I was not thinking of the century, it was more important to win the match. At that time it was important to hold on to my wicket and take the team over the line because we had lost a couple of matches from a winning position.
"People are only seeing that I missed my century by three runs but they should also see that I score a 97. If I have scored it once I can score it ten times more," Dhawan concluded.