Knew I could get out of the team if I don't score runs: Shikhar Dhawan

Veteran Indian opener Shikhar Dhawan made a comeback to the Test team in some serious fashion. Playing in the first Test of the three-match series against Sri Lanka, Dhawan lit up the occasion with a whirlwind knock at the top order. The stylish southpaw hit a magnificent 190 on the day 1 in Galle to see team India finish with a dominating total of 399/3 by the end of the day’s play.

This remains to be India’s second best day 1 score in the history of Test cricket. The specialty of the knock was the manner in which in came. He scored 190 off mere 168 deliveries. It was pretty much similar to his Test debut where he had hit a quick 187 against Australia almost half a decade ago.

Shikhar Dhawan was surely pleased with his effort. In the post day press conference, Dhawan spoke at length about his knock. He noted that he was feeling good at the crease after a decent run in the limited overs format recently. He also rated the knock as one of his best till date.

“I was happy to make a comeback into the Test side, unfortunately Vijay wasn’t fit. I had a good run in the one-day series before this, I just came with same mindset and confidence. I did the same process in the nets and got myself ready,” quoted Shikhar Dhawan.

“My debut innings was more like this one. Even against Bangladesh, I scored a quick hundred. But this one was better than that,” he added further.

On feeling the pressure

Dhawan was dropped from the national side in the Test format after a dismal run in the Caribbean. He got his opportunity again after both the regular openers – Murali Vijay and KL Rahul – got injured. Shikhar Dhawan admitted that he felt the pressure during the innings. Also, he remarked that it is of utmost importance to not get bogged down when one is out of the team.

“I knew if I won’t score runs I could get out of the team. Of course I felt pressure at that moment. When I got out of the side, it hurt me. But I moved on and started playing domestic cricket with Delhi team and was enjoying myself there. One thing about me is that I don’t like to be sad all the time and stay happy. I knew if things have to come they will come my way,” remarked Dhawan.

On missing the double ton

The way Dhawan was playing, he looked composed for a double ton, if not more. However, he perished in an attempt to clear the inner field off the bowling of Nuwan Pradeep – falling short by 10 runs of his maiden double ton. He certainly feels disappointed at having missed the landmark but was happy with his effort.

“Of course I was disappointed that I got out on 190 and missed a double hundred. I got out at the wrong time, it was just last over (before Tea). The way I was playing, I thought I could clear the mid-off fielder. I was almost hitting boundary every over. I was in that zone and just backed myself. Bit disappointed that couldn’t score 200 but happy that I scored 190,” conceded the Indian opener.