IPL 2021: “Not Afraid Of Changes”, Shikhar Dhawan Speaks On His Strike-Rate Improvement

Since the start of last year’s IPL, Shikhar Dhawan has been a constantly improving T20 cricketer. The experienced left-hand batter has perhaps taken question marks raised on his intent and position in the senior Indian T20I team to heart.

But Shikhar Dhawan showed an expanded range and more aggressive approach throughout IPL 2020 and scored 618 runs from his 17 innings at a strike-rate of 144.73. He did so while averaging 44.14 per innings and made two hundreds in the competition played in challenging circumstances in UAE.

In the ongoing IPL as well, Dhawan has been in scintillating form with the bat and has already played significant knocks in a couple of DC’s victories.

On Sunday (April 18), at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, Shikhar Dhawan played a magnificent knock of 92 runs off 49 deliveries, including 13 fours and 2 sixes, to help DC achieve the stiff 196-run target against Punjab Kings (PBKS).

“Not Afraid Of Changes”, Shikhar Dhawan Speaks On His Strike-Rate Improvement

After the PBKS encounter, Shikhar Dhawan spoke on his astonishing form and how he has enjoyed such a drastic change in his T20 returns.

Dhawan, talking at the post-match presentation after receiving the ‘Player of the Match’ award, attributed his success to his willingness to improve and not be afraid of making changes to his game and mindset.

“It was a conscious effort from my side and I started taking more risks. I’m not afraid of changes,” said Shikhar Dhawan.

“I’m always open towards changes and I make sure I give it a good try in the nets and then in the games. I’m not scared of getting out as well. I’ve worked on the leg-side shots, coming in the crease, using the pace of the bowler.”

As he has regained confidence in his T20 batting, Shikhar Dhawan has also been clearer with regards to his plans against opposition bowlers and thus, been able to execute his skills and plans more consistently. He mentioned how opening alongside Prithvi Shaw for DC has also played its part in his success.

“Depends who’s bowling and what plans I make for them. My slog shot has improved. It was there before as well, but now it’s more. I’m very relaxed these days. I’ve played for so many years, if I’m not relaxed at this time, then when?”

“I’m relaxed but also attentive. It’s very good batting with Shaw, we made a huge impact and that was great for our team,” Dhawan said.

Shikhar Dhawan will hope he can continue his rich vein of form for DC in IPL 2021 and be able to cement his place in India’s T20I playing XI ahead of the World Cup in October-November.

With two wins from three matches under their belt, Delhi Capitals (DC) will next play Mumbai Indians (MI) on Tuesday (April 20) in Chennai.