I was expecting to be picked: Rishi Dhawan

Rishi Dhawan realized the challenges one will come across while he was in the Indian squad touring Australia early this year, without making much of an impact. He has been highly successful in the domestic cricket but he did not take much time to realize that playing for India is a different ball game altogether.

Dhawan played in 3 of the 5 matches in Australia and didn’t get much of an opportunity with the bat. With the ball, he ended up conceding 160 runs off 25 overs. “The Australia experience taught me a lot. I picked up a lot of things just by watching how seniors train in the nets. There were times I felt the pressure and nerves and since then I have focused a lot on the mental side of the game. Having said that, I gave my best in whatever chances I got and that I will try to do the same in Zimbabwe,” said the 26-year-old all-rounder.

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In the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL), he had played just a couple of matches for his IPL franchise Kings XI Punjab. However, Rishi said that he was confident of getting picked in the Indian team because of the consistent domestic performances. “I did not get to do much in IPL but I was expecting to be picked. I had done well in Ranji Trophy and Vijay Hazare and I was confident that I will be rewarded for consistent performances in domestic cricket,” Dhawan told PTI today.

He is satisfied with his batting capabilities and said that he is trying to increase his pace. “Last two months I have been working a lot on my bowling. I have made a conscious effort to increase my pace. The chats with Bharat Arun sir [bowling coach] in Australia also gave me confidence. Since swinging the ball is my strength, he just advised me to bowl in the good areas and do that consistently,”

Dhawan concluded by praising the newly elected BCCI president Anurag Thakur – “He has already done a lot for Himachal cricket. We have all the facilities in the state and I see a lot potential in the juniors.”