By: Tarish Bhatt
India had lost Murali Vijay cheaply, and they needed someone to stick around. It was a perfect time for Shikhar Dhawan to produce something good. And, the Indian opener did just that in Antigua.
Dhawan showed a big heart, and made an excellent fifty on the opening day of the 1st Test. He stitched a crucial partnership with captain Virat Kohli to put India in a dominating position at stumps on Day 1.
The southpaw left everything outside the off-stump. His discipline was outstanding to say the least. He even survived a firing opening spells from Shannon Gabriel, Jason Holder, and then Carlos Brathwaite.
Dhawan, however, failed to reach the coveted three-figure mark. He was trapped in front by leg-spinner Devendra Bishoo just at before the tea break.
“I felt disappointed that I got out especially when I was set and scoring runs,” Dhawan said. “I had spent enough time out there in the middle and came so close to scoring a hundred.”
“At the same time, I am happy that I started on a good note and would like to carry on my good performances in coming matches,” he added. “I want to use the form I am in.”
This knock came as a huge relief for Dhawan, who was under pressure before this game. Dhawan’s form has been under scrutiny, and he was preferred over in-form KL Rahul.
