I prepare differently for ODI, T20 and Tests: Shikhar Dhawan

Shikhar Dhawan leaves after batting in the nets during a training session at National Cricket Academy in Bangalore. Indian cricket team is scheduled to travel to West Indies to play a four-match test series starting July 21, 2016. (AP)

 

Bengaluru: Left-handed opener Shikhar Dhawan on Saturday said that the specialist batsmen are preparing to counter the reverse swing that can be expected on the slowish Caribbean tracks during their upcoming four-Test series against the West Indies.

Asked if they are equipped to handle reverse swing on tracks that won't offer much pace, Dhawan answered: "We are going to get slow wickets there (in West Indies). So that is how we are preparing for it. We are preparing for reverse swing and playing spin too. As an opener, I have to play the new ball and I am trying to cover all bases." 

While Murali Vijay has been pretty consistent in last two years, the same cannot be said about Dhawan. But he is confident that he and Vijay will be able to give the team good starts consistently.

"Myself and Murali Vijay will be looking to give a good opening start and dominate the proceedings. We are working towards it. We are also working on our fitness."

Being a part of IPL champions Sunrisers Hyderabad has also helped Dhawan as he had a lot of enriching discussions on his game with coach Tom Moody, whom he fondly refers as 'Tom Bhai' and 'Mentor' VVS Laxman.

"I learnt a lot from Laxman bhai and Tom bhai in IPL and I feel that I am growing day-by-day and enjoying my journey. I am always open to learning new things in life. I am happy the way I am going about my job," he said.

Dhawan said his preparations for Test matches is different as he concentrates more on leaving deliveries during initial phases when the ball does a lot.

"I prepare differently for one day, T20 and Tests. I leave lots of balls in Test cricket because the new ball does a lot. I am trying to ensure that I play deliveries close to my body," he said.

Talking about different batting styles of Murali Vijay and his, Dhawan said it is very important to have different characters in the side, however he is enjoying batting with the Chennai opener.

"Everyone has a different game. While I back my game, he (Vijay) backs his. Every character is different, so it is very important that each player stays in his character," he said.