Shikhar Dhawan, the seasoned Indian opener, recently shared his insights on the return of former India captain Virat Kohli to T20I cricket. Kohli marked his comeback with a powerful performance against Afghanistan in the series finale. Dhawan, who has played under the leadership of Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and MS Dhoni, discussed various aspects of his experiences with the former captains.
In an interview with the Times of India, Dhawan lauded Kohli for fostering a young and vibrant culture within the Indian cricket team. He emphasized Kohli’s role in providing encouragement and support to talented young players, allowing them the opportunity to succeed. Dhawan highlighted Kohli’s dedication to physical fitness, noting that under his leadership, it has become a crucial aspect of the team’s culture. According to Dhawan, Kohli sets high standards for excellence through his own performances, and his aggressive batting style often sets the tone for the entire team.
Reflecting on his own aspirations, Dhawan expressed his desire to enhance his T20 value in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) season. The Punjab Kings (PBKS) will be led by Dhawan in the 2024 edition of the tournament. As one of the best left-handed hitters in the limited-overs format, Dhawan has represented India under the captaincy of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and MS Dhoni.
Switching focus to Kohli’s T20I comeback against Afghanistan, Dhawan commended Kohli’s impactful innings in the series. Kohli, ranked as India’s third-best batsman, scored 29 runs off just 16 balls in the second T20I, contributing significantly to India’s victory by six wickets. Dhawan acknowledged Kohli’s aggressive batting style, stating that it often sets the tone for the entire team. He highlighted Kohli’s expectations for his players to match his intensity on the field.
The interview also saw Dhawan reminiscing about playing under the captaincy of MS Dhoni. Dhoni, who will captain the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the IPL 2024, has been praised by Dhawan for his cool-headedness and adept man-management abilities. Dhawan acknowledged Dhoni’s ability to make level-headed decisions, especially under pressure, and commended his flair for following cricketing instincts.
Looking ahead to the IPL 2024, where Dhawan will lead the Punjab Kings, the seasoned campaigner expressed his eagerness to contribute to the team’s success. Dhawan’s leadership role comes after his last appearance for Rohit Sharma’s team in an international match in 2022 against Bangladesh. The IPL provides a platform for players to showcase their skills and make significant contributions to their respective teams.
As the interview delved into discussions about different captains, Dhawan highlighted the unique qualities of each leader. While Kohli is known for his aggressive approach and emphasis on physical fitness, Dhoni’s cool-headed decision-making and exceptional man-management skills have left a lasting impression on Dhawan. The upcoming IPL season is anticipated to be a captivating showcase of talent and leadership, with players like Dhawan and captains like Kohli and Dhoni aiming for success on the cricketing stage.
In conclusion, Shikhar Dhawan’s candid remarks provide a glimpse into the dynamics of leadership within the Indian cricket team. From praising Kohli’s influence on team culture to reflecting on Dhoni’s captaincy style, Dhawan’s insights offer cricket enthusiasts a deeper understanding of the players’ perspectives as they prepare for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in the 2024 cricket season.