Shikhar Dhawan Seeks Virat Kohli's Consistency, Praises Warner's Intent

Shikhar Dhawan loves his moustache. He also loves Virat Kohli's batting consistency. In an exclusive chat with NDTV on Wednesday, the Indian opener said he remained a student of the game and he could only get better.

A fitness freak who "wants to look athletic" like a 25-year-old, Dhawan craved for Kohli's skills of accumulating runs in all formats of the game.

Kohli has been in the form of his life this season. He was the Man of the ICC T20 World Cup and followed up with a record 973 runs in IPL 2016. His four centuries in the IPL were also a record.

"If there is anything I want to take from Virat, it is his consistency. He has been playing for seven-eight years and this can come with time.

"I am playing for three years and if I can last that long, put your heart in every game, I will also get better and better ... it is a process," said Dhawan.

Dhawan finished with 501 runs for IPL champions Sunrisers Hyderabad but it was his captain David Warner, who led from the front with nine fifties and a top score of 93 not out.

"Warner's intent and positive attitude is really praiseworthy," said Dhawan. Warner scored 848 runs but his composure under pressure was a hallmark of the Sunrisers team.

Dhawan said Sunrisers Hyderabad's biggest strength was their bowling. "This is the reason why Warner decided to bat first after winning the toss," Dhawan explained.

"Bhuvneshwar (Kumar) was superb and the bowlers hunted in packs," Dhawan said. Bhuvneshwar was the best bowler of IPL 2016 with 23 wickets and his death bowling choked RCB in the final as SRH won by eight runs.

Dhawan pointed out that Ashish Nehra played his role by sharing his experience with the bowlers. The Delhi veteran missed the IPL final due to a knee surgery in London, but Dhawan said his tips were priceless.