Shikhar Dhawan wants to take revenge against Pakistan for their 2017 CT defeat

Southpaw Shikhar Dhawan has been a crucial stay in the Indian batting line-up since the 2013 Champions trophy in England. Prior to the 2013 championship, the left-hander played a few gritty innings against the West Indian team before his drop from the playing XI.

However, since 2013, the left-hander has been a vital cog in the Indian playing XI, alongside right-handed Rohit Sharma. Together the duo has given India many an exciting start in International cricket. The left-hander’s form was a major question of concern for the team ahead of the Indian Premier League 2018.

Despite the massive criticisms, the left-hander came out to bat to prove a point and did prove it with his glorious drives. Alongside the drives, Dhawan also showcased his improvement on the off-side with some inside-out shots over the cover fielder.

The 2019 World Cup

Ahead of the 2019 World Cup, the left-hander has pointed out that MS Dhoni’s improved new-look form will come in as an important factor for the Indian team. In an exclusive to Aruneel Sadadekar of Times Now, he said that Dhoni being back to his big-hitting best is something that would hold India in good stead.

“Dhoni’s return to form is extremely important considering that this one year will be vital with World Cup in sight,” said Dhawan when asked about Dhoni’s return to form with the Super Kings.

The CSK skipper had amassed over 455 runs this season in the 16 games that he has played for the Super Kings, taking them to their third IPL title at an outstanding strike-rate of 150.

A crucial encounter on cards against Pakistan

Dhawan also talked about how the Champions Trophy loss against arch-rivals Pakistan is still lingering in the minds of the Indian players. He said that India would be looking to improve their record against Pakistan, and would be looking to beat them hands-down.

“Pakistan defeated us in Champions Trophy and now we will be playing them in World Cup. We will look to beat them and keep our perfect track record intact in the World Cup,” Dhawan said on the sidelines of the CEAT Cricket Awards in Mumbai.

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