India vs Sri Lanka: Shikhar Dhawan needs to secure his spot for T20 Word Cup, says VVS Laxman

Mumbai: He might have been appointed captain for the upcoming white ball series in Sri Lanka but senior opener Shikhar Dhawan, just like other rookies will also be auditioning for reserve opener’s slot in the Indian T20 World Cup side, feels India batsman VVS Laxman. While Dhawan has been a certainty in the 50-over format, he hasn’t really been a regular feature in the T20 national sides but back-to-back IPL performances has brought him back in the reckoning to get a slot alongside KL Rahul and Rohit Sharma. “Shikhar Dhawan will be very clear that he has to use this opportunity especially keeping in mind the T20 World Cup, there is so much stiff competition,” Laxman said on Star Sports show Game Plan. [caption id=“attachment_9454661” align=“alignnone” width=“640”]  File image of Shikhar Dhawan. AP[/caption] “So, while he is excited being the captain of the Indian team – and anyone will be proud to lead their country – but his focus will be to score runs and put his spot in a secure position,” opined Laxman. With skipper Virat Kohli also opening for RCB in the IPL, it does get tougher for Dhawan to make an inroad into the shortest format squad. “There is Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul who are established opening batsmen. Virat Kohli, very clearly mentioned that he wants to open in T20 formats. So, Shikhar Dhawan has to be amongst runs,” added Laxman. Dhawan, who is leading the Indian team for the first time, during the pre-departure press conference, had said that it was a great honour for him to be the captain of the Indian team and he was looking forward to it. However, in the same vein, Laxman feels that the southpaw was being rewarded for his consistency. “He (Dhawan) is being rewarded for his consistent performance for the Indian Team, especially in white-ball cricket and he is the most experienced player in this squad,” said Laxman. On the same show, former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan attested to Dhawan’s character, saying, “he is a very fun-loving guy. Whenever you meet him, he is always laughing, very cheerful. The youngsters will be very comfortable around him." He also spoke about Dhawan’s leadership qualities, saying, “and I think, as a leader, he will have a point to prove – not to anyone, but for himself. Because last time he was leading an IPL side, that was not a very fruitful move for him, but that was so many years ago. So, if any senior guy wants to do something, he needs to convince himself – more than trying to prove a point to anyone else.” “So, he will be really excited for leadership, but at the same time, he will be looking forward to not only perform but also sharing his experience with all the youngsters.”