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The Times of India
The Times of India
Sport
TIMESOFINDIA.COM

We know how to bounce back: Shikhar Dhawan

NEW DELHI: Bangladesh pipped India by one wicket in a low-scoring opening one-dayer in Dhaka on Sunday. And one of the main reasons of India's loss was the failure of the top-order batters. The experienced trio of Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan and Virat Kohli had a torrid outing that resulted visitors putting up a lowly total against the hosts.

As India gear up for the must-win game on Wednesday, opener Dhawan is confident of team making a strong comeback in the three-match series.

"This is not the first time we have lost the first game in a series. This is quite normal, we know how to bounce back from these situations. We're very, very confident," said Dhawan on the eve of the match.

"We have analysed where we need to improve. Surely, we will create more impact in the coming games. We are very positive and in a good space, we are looking forward to it," the India opener said.

Dhawan himself have had a lean patch in the recent times, scoring just one half century in his last 9 outings. In the first one-dayer he got dismissed by spinner Mehidy Hasan while attempting a reverse hit.

Battling indifferent form, Dhawan on Tuesday was seen working on his sweep shot and reverse hits. Team India head coach Rahul Dravid was also involved with the 37-year-old in a special session.

"It's good to practice more. These shots will come handy in these conditions. Even in the World Cup in India where spinners will make an impact, those shots will be helpful. I always enjoy playing them. It's good to practice more in these conditions," Dhawan said.

Talking about the positives, Dhawan said Washington Sundar could be groomed to become a "great" all-rounder for India in future.

The 23-year-old may have drawn flak for his sloppy fielding, but he has impressed especially in the ODI series against New Zealand where he scored his maiden half-century and also made a quick-fire 37 not out batting lower down the order.

"He has been performing really well since the time he came back. Even in New Zealand he had an amazing knock and bowled really well. He's a very good all-rounder, quite an impactful off-spinner and lower order batter.

"I'm sure the more matches he plays, he's going to get more experienced. He already had a very stable mindset. I'm sure he'll do great in the cricket world and for us."

Talking about India's rivalry with Bangladesh, Dhawan said: "The rivalry is always there with any team but with Bangladesh, they are quite emotional people.

"They really enjoy and play with great intensity. It's good fun, makes us more intense as well and keep us on our toes. It brings the best out of us," he added.

(With inputs from PTI)

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