Shikhar Dhawan is making a return to Delhi's Ranji squad when they take on Hyderabad in their third Ranji game of the season at the Arun Jaitley Stadium from Wednesday. Ahead of the game, team India star opener Dhawan has made it clear that he is only another Delhi batsman and no international star.
"I don't think like an international star. I am very comfortable over here and I will make sure that we work as a team and I share my expertise and knowledge with them so that they are further groomed. You know my nature. If my knowledge benefits a youngster then why not," he told IANS.
"Critics do their own job and I don't ever get frustrated by that. If they feel that way, that's their opinion what can I do. In my heart I know that I have given my best. But if my best wasn't good enough for it, then it's fine, I accept it. And learn what more I can do better. When I was in England, I couldn't do well, so accepted it. I went out, not problem and I will now look to make a comeback," he pointed.
When asked if there's any chance of Dhawan getting back into the Indian Test squad, he said he wishes to be a part of the team across formats.
"Have been out for seven-eight month, might be back by the time it is a year. Whether I am in Test team or not is immaterial. I know what game I have. I have scored runs in international cricket as well. I am happy to come back and play Ranji. I have grown from the Ranji Trophy level and can't be better that I am back here and also imparting knowledge to other kids. My goal remains to play all three formats.
"I am working on that and even now I passed the fitness test, first 20 days I couldn't walk. Then I worked on fitness. I had 27 stitches on my knees and it was a deep cut. I always enjoy challenges as I never shy away from it. I never shy away from my failures and it's always a learning experience. A learning man is always an earning man," he laughed.
A knee injury saw him out of the Indian limited-overs team and K.L. Rahul made the most of the opportunity. But Dhawan is happy for the opener.
"This is a fresh start for me. I was hit on the finger, then on the neck, bruised my eye and then 30 stitches on the knee in Gujarat. Good news is New Year is coming. Also this is part and parcel of a sportsman's life. I am happy that KL has done so well. He has grabbed the opportunity. So I am going to go and express myself," he explained.
Asked about the knee, he said: "The knee is feeling well as I have passed all the Test. Feeling well and have healed well so I am happy to go onto the field now. Injuries are but natural. You got to accept that. It's fine and I don't create a big fuss about it. The start stop thing doesn't affect me as I haven't forgotten how to bat. My class is permanent and I will score runs."
Dhawan feels that it is not fair to expect the cricketers to keep playing non-stop cricket and turn up for the state team every single time there is no international game.
"It depends if you have played a series then you need to give him rest so that he remains fresh for the next series. If you look at the big picture, when you play for India, that's the priority. We are humans and not machine so mentally and physically you need to rest and be fresh. An international player knows his responsibility and how much he can tax his body. There are times you get emotional and play for Delhi and in turn get injured and India assignment gets hampered," he pointed.
'I Don't Think Like An International Star', Says Dhawan Ahead Of Delhi's Ranji Match
ABP News Bureau
Updated at:
24 Dec 2019 04:24 PM (IST)
When asked if there's any chance of Dhawan getting back into the Indian Test squad, he said he wishes to be a part of the team across formats
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