I want to score big this season: Shikhar Dhawan

[Pagalpanti]

He was pathetic in whatever ODI's he's played so far' date='not a glimpse of his domestic form[/quote'] Thing is he never got a consistent run, always came in when Sehwag/Gambhir were rested/injured. You can't judge a player from these games. But I guess Rahane is ahead in the pecking order if the opening slot ever opens up in limited overs cricket or tests.

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'I am to blame for falling behind' : Shikhar Dhawan On a second wind, Dhawan, currently engaged in a bitter Duleep Trophy semi-final battle for North Zone against Central, spoke to espnstar.com about his burning desire to make a mark this season and fight his way back into the Indian team. More... 'I am to blame for falling behind' Delhi batsman Shikhar Dhawan, in the middle of a dream domestic run, hopes to get back into the Indian team and stake claim for a Test spot. By Sudeer Mahavaadi Dhawan, once hailed as one of the most exciting Indian batsmen, lost his way somewhere down the line, thanks to poor form. While he stayed out of the national selectors' radar, other promising youngsters shot to instant fame with their class and consistency. On a second wind, Dhawan, currently engaged in a bitter Duleep Trophy semi-final battle for North Zone against Central, spoke to espnstar.com about his burning desire to make a mark this season and fight his way back into the Indian team. Excerpts: Sudeer Mahavaadi: After a lean phase last season, you would be happy with your form this year. Shikhar Dhawan: It's been a great start for me since the Challenger Trophy. I am extremely happy to be consistent in every format. My confidence is very high at the moment and hope I to continue the same run right through the season. SM: How serious are you about a comeback into the Indian team? You must be eyeing a Test debut. SD: I'm certainly pretty serious about a comeback in whatever format. Of course, the longer version is every cricketer's dream - that's something has allured me for a long time. If I continue the same form this season then God willing, my dream of playing Test cricket will be realised. However, I know it won't be easy -- there has been tough competition in the team for years since the seniors hardly fail. But it is the domestic experience and performance that will take us to that level. I have learnt a lot on how to adjust myself in different formats. Playing for India A in different places has also been of great advantage. Like everyone else, I am also hoping for that (India spot) to happen. Age is still on my side and if I am consistent enough, I may get the nod. SM: Your juniors (Virat Kohli and Suresh Raina) have been able to establish themselves ahead of you. Does it hurt you to see that players with equal talent have made it and you have stayed behind? SD: Well, I am grateful people consider me to be a good enough Test material. Had I been more cautious after my initial burst of good form (during the junior World Cup in Bangladesh in 2007 and when Delhi lifted the Ranji Trophy), I could have been picked early. But I only have myself to blame for not being selected. The failures in my career have taught me a lot -- they are a stepping stone to success. I had a bad season last year and it really hurt me. I worked hard on my fitness and am glad about the start to this season. I hope I can make a comeback soon and cement my place in the Indian team. SM: You have been a key player for the Deccan Chargers in the IPL. Does their termination distract you? SD: No I have really enjoyed playing for the Charges for two years -- I have loved playing in Hyderabad. Playing for Mumbai Indians and opening with the great Sachin Tendulkar was an amazing experience as well. At this point in time, I do not want to comment (on Deccan Chargers' termination). Let's wait and see what happens. SM: How was it batting with Yuvraj (who scored a double-century in the first innings of the Duleep Trophy semi-final)? SD: I have always enjoyed batting with Yuvraj in domestic cricket, sharing partnerships with him. What more can you say about his class -- you always try and pick a leaf out of his book. It's a treat to watch him from the non-striker's end and I have learned a lot playing with him. He is a great mate. SM: Your thoughts on Unmukt Chand. SD: Unmukt is a future India material -- there is no doubt about that. He is very talented and am happy that he plays for Delhi. We have a very good team and this year winning the Ranji Trophy will be our aim.

[CricLind]

SD: Unmukt is a future India material -- there is no doubt about that. He is very talented and am happy that he plays for Delhi. We have a very good team and this year winning the Ranji Trophy will be our aim.

Neither Unmukt nor Dhawan are future Indian cricketers - they are the classic example of domestic bullies.

[MCcricket]

Neither Unmukt nor Dhawan are future Indian cricketers - they are the classic example of domestic bullies.

You are so wrong Unmukt , Bab, will play for India , Dhawan deserves a chance in odi's atleast.

[BeautifulGame]

Neither Unmukt nor Dhawan are future Indian cricketers - they are the classic example of domestic bullies.

Don't agree with assertion of Chand definitely international player in the making. Curiously what made u come to this conclusion though because he has scored heavily almost every opportunity so far.Even in the India A tour to NZL he got starts in almost every game IIRC

[rkt.india]

Neither Unmukt nor Dhawan are future Indian cricketers - they are the classic example of domestic bullies.

Unmukt has not even bullied domestic cricket yet. All he has done till now is at U19 level.

[CricLind]

Unmukt has not even bullied domestic cricket yet. All he has done till now is at U19 level.

True! He reminds me of Gaurav Dhiman, and people were expecting him to become the next Viv Richards or some other super-aggressive player. He was a batting all-rounder who bowled some useful medium pace and opened the innings for India at the U19 level. He turned out to be an absolute dud at the Ranji level despite being a U19 star.

http://cricketarchive.com/Archive/Players/11/11758/11758.html

[rkt.india]

True! He reminds me of Gaurav Dhiman, and people were expecting him to become the next Viv Richards or some other super-aggressive player. He was a batting all-rounder who bowled some useful medium pace and opened the innings for India at the U19 level. He turned out to be an absolute dud at the Ranji level despite being a U19 star.

http://cricketarchive.com/Archive/Players/11/11758/11758.html

How can you compare Unmukt to Dhiman. Dhiman did not do anything at even U19 level. Unmukt has been one of the best U19 batsmen in the history of U19 cricket. The issue wiht him is he ooens the batting but he does not have the technique to be an opener. He should shift to middle order or work on his technqiue.

[CricLind]

How can you compare Unmukt to Dhiman. Dhiman did not do anything at even U19 level. Unmukt has been one of the best U19 batsmen in the history of U19 cricket. The issue wiht him is he ooens the batting but he does not have the technique to be an opener. He should shift to middle order or work on his technqiue.

I'm certainly not comparing the two and saying that Chand is on the same level as Dhiman. The point is that Dhiman enjoyed a lot of success at the U19 level but wasn't even able to translate it to Ranji level. I'm quite sure that Chand will become at least a very strong Ranji player, but I'm not sure about his chances of playing for India. Btw, your claim that Dhiman did nothing at the U19 level is not correct. Against Chand's U19 ODI average of 67.5 and SR of 84, Dhiman has an average of close to 50 at a SR of 115. Besides, he also picked up wickets regularly at an average of 25. In fact, along with Rohit Sharma and Pujara, he was one of India's big successes at the U19 WC. Again, the point is not to compare the two, but to illustrate that even between U19 and Ranji, there is a big difference. I think Unmukt can definitely become a very accomplished player for Delhi, but he looks like another Dhawan in the making - domestic bully.

[Trundler27]

Bump again.............. Looks like he was very determined at the start of this season and it has culminated into his test debut knock.... happy for the guy.... hopefully he can continue with such surety in the future as well.... a reliable lefty at the top of the order is a big bonus for any side