'I will take decisions to help the team' - Shikhar Dhawan ready for taking tough calls as Indian skipper

After India's successful outing against the Kiwis in the shortest format of the game, the Men in Blue are gearing up for a three-match ODI series, commencing on November 25. The stand-in skipper for the upcoming assignment Shikhar Dhawan reckoned he has matured a lot and is not perturbed by the prospect of making tough calls for the team.

With several key senior players rested for the New Zealand tour, including all-format Indian skipper Rohit Sharma, veteran opening batter Shikhar Dhawan has been entrusted with leading the team in the 50-over format. The southpaw revealed that he is relishing the opportunity to lead the side and is not afraid to take bold calls for the team's cause.

"As you play more, you get confident in the decisions you take. Earlier, there used to be instances where I would give an extra over to a bowler out of regard (for him). But now, as I have matured, even if someone is feeling bad, I will take a decision that will help the team. If a bowler gets hit, it's important to know when to speak to him. I will not do it when they are hot in the head, but instead approach them later and speak with care," Dhawan told ESPNcricinfo.

I also understand when to say things to the players and how much to say: Dhawan

Dhawan also stated that he has mastered the art of maintaining the right balance by picking the appropriate time to speak to his players. Dhawan has guided India to series victories against Sri Lanka, South Africa, and West Indies and will be eyeing another triumph against the Blackcaps in the impending series.

"When you play music on a string instrument, if the string is too loose, it won't sound right, or if it's too tight, it will break. So it is a question of creating a balance. (As a captain) creating that balance is very important. You need to understand when to pull the string tight and when to leave it a bit loose. That is an art. It is a matter of timing.At this stage I also understand when to say things to the players and how much to say," he added.