|| India Correspondent ||
India opener Shikhar Dhawan was dropped from the playing XI after the first T20I against England where he failed to score big. He didn't return again as India tried various opening pairs in the series which put a question mark on his future as well. However, he opened alongside Rohit Sharma in the first ODI and smashed 98 as well that helped India win the game by 66 runs in Pune.
While speaking after winning the Man of the Match award, Dhawan said that he always thinks about how he could help the team even when he is out of the game.
"When I wasn't playing, I was thinking how I can give to the team. I was being a good 12th man, serving water. In my head, though, I was quite positive and preparing, working on my skills. That when I get an opportunity I can score runs," he said at the post-match presentation. "I was putting all my efforts in the process. Was doing good gym, running, net sessions whenever possible. Eventually my hard work paid off."
Unfortunately, Dhawan missed his century by mere two runs but he was not too bothered by that.
"You feel bit sad (getting out on 98) but I am not a person who gets too sad or too happy," he said. "I was not in a rush to score 100, went for a shot, got out. There’s always a next time. Very happy with the performance especially because the team won. Great comeback. Really enjoyed it."
The next ODI between India and England will take place at the same venue on Friday, March 26.