“We know how to bounce back from these situations. We’re very, very confident,” says Shikhar Dhawan

Shikhar Dhawan, India’s opener, has stated that the Men in Blue know how to rebound back after losing the opening ODI of the three-match series against Bangladesh on December 4. The series’ second match will be contested on December 7, again in Dhaka.

As part of his training for the ODI World Cup at home later this year, experienced India opener Shikhar Dhawan is focusing on his sweep shot and reverse hit. With only one half-century in his previous nine innings, the 37-year-old left-hander is under pressure as the ODI series approaches.

Thank you so much ❤️ https://t.co/t2WXJSMske

— Shikhar Dhawan (@SDhawan25) December 6, 2022

Bangladesh beat India by one wicket in a low-scoring first one-dayer, thanks to some excellent bowling by Shakib Al Hasan and Ebadot Hossain, who restricted India to 186 after being put into bat, and Mehidy Hasan, who took Bangladesh past the finale after being whittled down to 136/9, by adding 51* runs with Mustafizur Rahman for the 10th wicket.

Rahul Dravid, Team India’s head coach, met with him before of the second ODI on Wednesday. “It’s good to practice more. These shots will come handy in these conditions. Even in the World Cup in India where spinners will make an impact, those shots will be helpful. I always enjoy playing them. It’s good to practice more in these conditions,” Dhawan remarked on the brink of a must-win game.

“This is not the first time we have lost the first game in a series. This is quite normal, we know how to bounce back from these situations. We’re very, very confident,” Dhawan stated.

Bangladesh was 136/9 in 39.3 overs in its short chase of 187, but Mehidy Hasan and Mustafizur Rahman eked out an unlikely victory with a 51-run partnership for the last wicket.

“It doesn’t happen very often, they played really well. Of course Bangladesh are playing really good cricket,” Dhawan said.

“It’s good to practice more. These shots will come handy in these conditions. Even in the World Cup in India where spinners will make an impact, those shots will be helpful. I always enjoy playing them. It’s good to practice more in these conditions,” Dhawan explained.

He also commended Washington Sundar, saying he may be developed into a “great” all-rounder for India next.

“He has been performing really well since the time he came back. Even in New Zealand he had an amazing knock and bowled really well. He’s a very good all-rounder, quite an impactful off-spinner and lower order batter. I’m sure the more matches he plays, he’s going to get more experienced. He already had a very stable mindset. I’m sure he’ll do great in the cricket world and for us,” Dhawan told reporters.

Dhawan also commented on India’s rivalry with Bangladesh: “The rivalry is always there with any team but with Bangladesh, they are quite emotional people. They really enjoy and play with great intensity. It’s good fun, makes us more intense as well and keep us on our toes. It brings the best out of us.”