I love MSD’s leadership, says Shikhar Dhawan

Chennai: Shikhar Dhawan is one who believes in “going with the flow”. The 28-year-old skipper of Sunrisers Hyderabad has had a rollercoaster season so far.

Dhawan, who toiled in the domestic circuit for years before making a mark on international debut, said he decided to take a plunge into captaincy when he realised that he had the potential.

“Only when I knew I was performing to my potential did I feel the need to captain a team. I have been performing well for the Sunrisers Hyderabad now and I believe that is the reason why I have been handed the responsibility of captaining the side. It has been an enjoyable experience so  far leading the Sunrisers, and I would say a little dream has come true,” he said.

The aggressive left-hander says he loves the way skipper M.S. Dhoni leads a side. “Having been in the Indian dressing room and having observed Dhoni from close quarters, I have begun to understand certain things while playing. I love his tactics and admire the way he can remain cool even in pressure-cooker situations,” he added.

Dhawan said he never interfered in his bowlers’ plans. “My job is to ensure that my bowlers bowl according to their respective strengths. Also, I am beginning to learn to bluff when it comes to field placements and make the opposition batsmen play according to our plans,” he added.

When asked whether the captaincy improved his batting or affected it? Dhawan said: “I have just gone about batting the way I have been doing so all these years. Whether I am the captain or not, my way of batting does not change. I always think positive and dream big.

“I am not someone who sets goals or targets. I believe in going with the flow and doing what is best for my country or any side that I am a part of,” he replied.
Dhawan also mentioned that coach Tom Moody was supported him a lot