We are on our toes actually to start on a winning note: Shikhar Dhawan

India discard Shikhar Dhawan is a key figure in the Sunrisers Hyderabad squad who will play the tournament opener of India’s most prestigious domestic tournament, the IPL, against the Royal Challengers Bangalore on April 5th. Dhawan is all set to open the innings for the Sunrisers Hyderabad along with Aussie star David Warner.

The left-hander believes that the absence of Indian skipper Virat Kohli, who picked up the shoulder injury during the third Test match against Australia at Ranchi, would be a big plus for Sunrisers in the opening game. He also said that the defending champions should look to capitalize on the opportunity but has warned his team not to take their opponents lightly as they have enough match-winners in their squad excluding the Indian captain.

Dhawan quoted the PTI “We are not relaxed and we are looking forward to the first game. Of course, Virat is one of the biggest players in their side. He leads from the front and had an exceptional year last year”

“It’s good for us that he (Kohli) is not there for us. But still, there are big guns in their side. Chris Gayle, AB de Villiers and Shane Watson are there. We are preparing well and we are on our toes actually to start on a winning note”

The Delhi batsman who has been out of the Indian side for quite some time now has hopes of making it to the squad for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy. He feels that performing well in the IPL could see him playing for the men in blue once again.

Dhawan also spoke about how difficult it was for him sitting outside the team and watching his teammates in action and said that he would love to score big runs in the 10th season of the Indian Premier League.