Determined to do well in WI: Dhawan

HYDERABAD: Opener Shikhar Dhawan was one of the few success stories for Deccan Chargers in IPL-5. The 26-year-old Delhi left-hander was consistent with the willow scoring 569 from 15 matches, including five half-centuries. “It is easily one of the best IPL season. The confidence is back and I’m happy that I could score runs against some of the best bowlers of the world. I’m hungry for success,” said Dhawan.

Excerpts

On his IPL season

I always worked hard but this time I planned my innings and did accordingly. I’ve been playing well for the past two years but getting out in the 20s and 30s. This season, I told myself that I need to score big. I stayed focussed and could succeed.

On getting runs

It is always a great feeling to score runs against some of the best bowlers in the world. It certainly boosts one’s confidence.

On his team losing

It is indeed frustrating, particularly when you put up a big score and be on the losing side. But it is my job to score runs. I’m happy to get runs for my side irrespective of the result. Of course, if it had been for a winning cause, there would have been more satisfaction to it.

On India ‘A’ tour to West Indies

I’ve played a lot of matches for the India ‘A’ team in the last few years. These tours help you to get the confidence. This West Indies tour with the India `A’ would be a big one. It hurts to think that I could not consolidate my position in the last year’s West Indies tour. I’m determined to make it count this time. Once the IPL is over, I will concentrate for the coming tour. I always feel if you perform well, you have a good chance to get a place in the Indian team.

On longer format

In longer format, you have to be patient and bat the whole day. I want to work hard and earn a place in the Test team also. I need to score a lot of runs in domestic cricket. I need tons of patience to play in Test cricket.

On T20 World Cup

I’m happy with my recent performances and it’s now up to the selectors to decide. I do look forward to the Twenty20 World Cup in Sri Lanka. There will be lot of competition but I have the runs to back me.

On T20 batting

In Twenty20 cricket, it is all about delivering the goods in quick time. There is no time to think. You have to adjust to the wicket quickly. As an opener, we have to attack from the first ball and give a good start to the team. It is always a big challenge.

On Sehwag and Gambhir

Virender Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir are the best opening pair of India. I always like the way Gautam and Viru approach the game. They are consistent. I’m learning and I want to be a good finisher for my team. I like the way Viru attacks the bowling and want to bat that way. I want to prove a point as an Indian batsman. That is my goal.

On his comeback to Indian team

If I’m back in team India, I would ho­­­pe to consolidate my position. I’m a m­­o­­­­re matured now. I’ve learnt my lesso­­n­­s and would not like to repeat the mistakes.