World Cup 2015: Shikhar Dhawan Peaking in Time for Team India

Shikhar Dhawan has had a bitter-sweet start to 2015. The ever-smiling, moustache-twirling Indian opener has steered his way out of a lean patch away from home and stands tall at a familiar platform -- an ICC event. (Complete World Cup 2015 coverage | Pics | Schedule | Points Table)

The left-handed opener has endured heavy dose of criticism and several calls for his axing from all quarters to smash two entertaining World Cup 2015 centuries -- first against South Africa and then versus Ireland. (I look the best at when my bowlers are in form: MS Dhoni)

Ahead of this World Cup, form deserted Dhawan in Australia -- first in Tests and then in the tri-nation ODI series. He was vulnerable to the delivery moving away from him. Dhawan's inability to move his feet made him a walking wicket and there was uncertainty over his World Cup spot. (Dhoni hails stand out performers Ravichandran Ashwin and Shikhar Dhawan)

However, MS Dhoni and the national selectors persisted with the flamboyant left-hander and he has done exceptionally well to repay their faith. It took just one good innings -- against the likes of Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel -- for Dhawan to completely turn the tables. In five World Cup 2015 innings so far, Dhawan has 333 runs at an impressive average of 66.60.

His 146-ball knock of 137 against South Africa didn't just give Team India a defendable total against a quality batting side but also saw a rejuvenated opener, who has in the past displayed an uncanny tendancy to perform in ICC tournaments.

Dhawan made his ODI debut in 2010 but failed to hold on to his spot. He patiently bided his time and once the team management had decided to move beyond an ageing Virender Sehwag, Dhawan seized his opportunity.

What followed was a scintillating Test debut in Mohali, where he scored an enthralling knock of 187 and introduced his moustache-twirling audacity to the world of cricket. Dhawan had done enough in that Test series against Australia to warrant a place in the ODI side soon.

After a blockbuster entry on the Test scene, it was baptism of fire for Dhawan in the ICC Champions Trophy 2013 in UK. The attacking left-handed batsman took this opportunity too. He amassed 363 runs in five matches, including two hundreds and one fifty at a staggering average of 90.75.

Five matches into the ongoing World Cup Down Under, Dhawan seems to have rediscovered his old, devastating form. Dhawan's feet are moving freely again, the element of doubt has vanished from his game and he looks like 'The Special One' in Dhoni's Devils.