Indian batsman Shikhar Dhawan was roped in by Punjab Kings at the mega auction for the Indian Premier League (IPL) for an amount of Rs 8.25 Crore. The Indian opener now feels that a good show in the upcoming edition of IPL will help him in sealing his spot in the India’s 2022 T20 World Cup squad. Dhawan failed to book his berth in the India’s T20 World Cup squad in UAE, last year. The Delhi-born batsman has not taken part in a T20I match for the Indian team since the T20I match against Sri Lanka in July, last year.
Dhawan speaks
“The T20 World Cup is coming. I know that if I do well in the IPL, I can get into the side. I am a very process-driven person. I don’t set goals. Till the time, I am enjoying my game, it works best for me. And I’m in that space right now.
“So, I’m making sure my process is very strong, and I automatically achieve all that I need to. Maybe I will, maybe I won’t (making World Cup squad) – time will tell. But I won’t allow any of that to affect my state of mind," Dhawan said in an interview with Times of India.
'Great opportunity'
Dhawan further shared some anecdotes from the past.
“Right now, I am not in the T20 side or Test side, but playing the IPL is a great opportunity. I’m earning good money. I have seen the ups and downs, playing for the Indian team these last ten-odd years. There were times I would be desperate when I was about to get out of the side. I used to compete aggressively. But as I have grown, I have let go of many things.”
While talking about his connection with the Punjab Kings franchise, the 36-year-old batter said that he believes that “the connection with the fans is already there.”
“I am happy to be part of Punjab Kings. I am a Punjabi boy, so of course, the connection is already strong. Like Delhi, Punjab is also home. From childhood, I have been fond of Punjabi songs. Being from a Punjabi family, I also speak the language. I believe the connection with the fans is already there. At the same time, it’s a good opportunity for both me and the team to make a strong statement in the IPL. We have a balanced team. We are going to have a great season," Dhawan explained.
