New Zealand XI vs India, Tour match: Shikhar Dhawan fails to score big again
Shikhar Dhawan got a start and scored a cautious 26 against New Zealand XI on Day 2 of India's drawn tour match. He however was caught at the wrong end of a run-out - a sign that form and fate are combining to hurt his prospects even in this practice match.
Shikhar Dhawan's woeful form continued against New Zealand XI as the left-handed opener failed to build on a start once again. On the second day of the drawn tour match at Whangarei, on Monday, Dhawan scored a patient 26 off 68 before getting himself run-out.
Dhawan began India's chase of 262 runs with Murali Vijay after the two had taken tourists to stumps on 41/0. New Zealand XI struck early when Vijay was dislodged on 19. Cheteshwar Pujara (33) replaced him in the middle and the stage looked set for a solid partnership between him and Dhawan. It however, was not meant to be.
Dhawan and Pujara are in the list of exciting Test batsmen to watch out for. On Monday however, the two were involved in a mix-up that resulted in Dhawan making the long walk back much earlier than he would have wanted to. He had appeared in good touch with his four fours but his sudden dismissal once again cut short his innings at a time when his side needed him to score big.
The Delhi batsman's recent form in ODIs has been a cause of concern for Team India. He has managed starts but has failed to go the distance. In Tests, he has a century from five matches and while the tour match would have been an ideal opportunity for the 29-year-old to cement his spot once again, New Zealand XI ensured that Dhawan's batting script in their country remained unimpressive.
All though was not gloomy for India as stand-in skipper Rohit Sharma and Ajinkya Rahane hit a fifty each to help India get past the target of 262 and finish the final day on 313/7.