My life changed after the Test ton against Australia, says Shikhar Dhawan
Dhawan will shoulder the responsibility of opening the batting for India in the ICC Champions Trophy along with his Test partner Murali Vijay.
- NDTVSports
- Updated: May 13, 2013 05:53 PM IST
Shikhar Dhawan has been included in the 15-man Indian squad for the ICC Champions Trophy in England in June.
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He has played five One-Day Internationals for India before but has an opportunity to showcase his talent and cement his place at the opening slot with Gautam Gambhir and Virender Sehwag dropped for the tournament.
The Delhi left-hander, who scored 187 on his Test debut against Australia, earned the favour of Indian selectors after he continued his good run-of-form for Sunrisers Hyderabad in the Indian Premier League as well.
Dhawan says that his knock on his Test debut changed his life forever.
"That one knock has changed my life forever. Thankful to God to provide me such an opportunity and hopefully I will do well for the country in the future Tests too.
"I was disappointed to not score a double ton but extremely satisfied with my knock of 187. As athletes we have to move on. I trained, spent time with my family and now I am back," Dhawan said.
Dhawan made his debut for the Delhi Ranji side in 2004 after having impressed all and sundry in the under-19 World Cup then. Having always remained on the fringes for a national call, might have been too much for some but not for Dhawan. His love for the game keeps him going.
"Never felt disappointed (to have missed out on playing for India so long). I love the game and know for a fact that this is a race that never gets over. Anyone can turn it around on their day. Playing for North Zone/Delhi was equally satisfying for me," Dhawan added.
He is also extremely thankful to his wife, Esha Mukherjee, and can't stop expressing love and affection for her and his two daughters for their unflinching support.
"She supports me a lot. Even in a Ranji match she is there to support me, even if all alone in the stands. She knows how well or badly I am batting. She also prepares great food for me," said the left-hander bursting into laughter.