IPL 2020 Star Batsman of the Fortnight: Shikhar Dhawan, positive and fearless!

The 34-year-old Delhi Capitals batsman hammered two consecutive centuries — against Chennai Super Kings and Kings XI Punjab — becoming the first to achieve the feat.

Published : Oct 28, 2020 13:10 IST

Delhi Capitals’ Shikhar Dhawan celebrates in his usual style after hammering a century off just 59 deliveries against Chennai Super Kings.
Delhi Capitals’ Shikhar Dhawan celebrates in his usual style after hammering a century off just 59 deliveries against Chennai Super Kings.
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Delhi Capitals’ Shikhar Dhawan celebrates in his usual style after hammering a century off just 59 deliveries against Chennai Super Kings.

It seems the long break has actually helped Shikhar Dhawan. The India international is feeling fresh, running faster and by his own admission — has no fear of being dismissed.

And that’s evident from his form in this edition of the Indian Premier League. The 34-year-old Delhi Capitals batsman hammered two consecutive centuries — against Chennai Super Kings and Kings XI Punjab — becoming the first to achieve the feat.

While his unbeaten 101 against Super Kings came in just 59 balls — guiding his team to a five-wicket win — it took Dhawan 61 deliveries to play an unbeaten knock of 106 against Kings XI. However, his team lost the game.

And not just the tree-figure knocks, he also slammed a couple of half-centuries, making it a season to remember for him so far. But then, what has been the secret of his success?

READ | IPL 2020: Scoring 50s at 40, Chris Gayle enters record books

Dhawan, who enjoys playing his shots, admits that a change in mindset has actually helped him stay positive and focus on the job. After early struggles in the tournament — where he failed to convert the starts — things changed soon after his unbeaten 69 against Mumbai Indians on October 11. That, Dhawan indicates, boosted his confidence.

At a time when opening has been an area of concern for Delhi, Dhawan has succeeded in taking the pressure off the middle-order by ensuring that he contributed significantly with the bat. “I play with courage. I am not afraid to get out…” he says, making it obvious that he is enjoying every moment.

Life inside the bio-bubble hasn’t been easy for the cricketers, but Dhawan — a seasoned campaigner — has proven that the positive approach towards the game is what matters the most. Runs will follow…

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