Shikhar Dhawan hopes to return soon for Sunrisers Hyderabad

A fractured left-hand after the fastest hundred by a debutant in Test matches, might have kept Shikhar Dhawan out of action for a while now but the dashing left-hander from Delhi is upbeat and raring to go in the Indian Premier League 2013. Sunrisers Hyderabad have now played 5 matches without the left-hander but are looking in fine form. With Dhawan touted to comeback soon, the team will gain further advantage.

Dhawan has not only inspired many a youngster with his amazing knock on debut but also inspired the Indian skipper MS Dhoni, albeit in a different manner altogether. Apparently, Dhoni wants to have a mustache like 'Gabbar' Dhawan.

In the 58 IPL matches he has played for Delhi Daredevils, Mumbai Indians and Deccan Chargers, he has scored 1540 runs. The man himself, in an exclusive chat with NDTV, was confident of playing in the IPL soon.

"I will be playing pretty soon and hope to perform well for the Sunrisers Hyderabad.

"The team is doing well and I am happy that we have won three out of the first four matches we have played. Hope that our winning streak continues in IPL 2013," said Dhawan, sounding hopeful that the 'new' team will definitely bring in better fortunes.

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.

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," said an intense Dhawan.

The one knock that will define his career forever, even if he goes on to play for 10-12 years more, will be the 187 against Australia in Mohali. He thanks the Almighty for providing him that chance of a lifetime and is wishful that more knocks like that in a team cause beckon.

"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," concluded Dhawan.