Shikhar Dhawan's slow footwork is causing him problems: Sunil Gavaskar

Former India captain says Gautam Gambhir can make a comeback

Shikhar Dhawan is going through a bad phase. (BCCI)

 

 

New Delhi: Sunil Gavaskar feels that India opener Shikhar Dhawan's slump in form is primarily due to his slow footwork and his tendency to get out cheaply in a few matches at one go is the reason why the Delhi left-hander's failures get highlighted.

Asked if there is pressure on Dhawan to perform, Gavaskar told NDTV: "He is constantly under pressure to perform. The problem is when Dhawan fails, he fails in 4-5 matches and people forget the runs that he has scored. He has 9 centuries and around 17 scores of over 50 in limited overs cricket."

"He has been successful in every three and half innings, which is very acceptable. But when he fails, he fails in 4-5 innings. What I saw in the IPL, I found his feet are moving a bit slow. I would suggest he does a fair bit of skipping and it would certianly help."

Gavaskar praised veteran India discard Gautam Gambhir, who is currently on top of IPL run-getters list with 192 runs and said that he can still make a comeback to the Indian team.

"You should never give up. What's the point of playing in Ranji Trophy and IPL if you don't feel that you are still good enough to play for India. It is good to see him (Gambhir) perform."

The legendary opener feels that Gambhir must have worked hard on his footwork which had given him problems earlier.

"He must have worked hard as he has had a bit of footwork problems earlier," said Gavaskar. 

Gavaskar was all praise for young Sarfaraz Khan whose 10-ball-35 has been applauded by one and all.