Champions Trophy: Will Shikhar Dhawan prove his worth this time?

New Delhi: Selectors have yet again restored faith in Shikhar Dhawan by picking him for the squad of ICC Champions Trophy. But the question which looms over Indian Cricket is that whether the left-handed batsman be able to prove his worth or not.

Dhawan was given preference over some in-form batsmen including Rishabh Pant, Gautam Gambhir, Rahul Tripathi, Nitish Rana, Sanju Samson and Robin Uthappa who have been playing good knocks consistently in the Indian Premier League- 10 and domestic games also.

Despite getting good starts, Dhawan had made a tendency of gifting his wicket by playing silly shots, leaving Indian team in trouble from the very start of its inning.

He always got support from team management and skipper Virat Kohli who gave him ample of chances to prove his worth. Former Indian team director Ravi Shastri had even compared the Delhi batsman with Cricket gem AB de Villiers.

Since India’s tour of Australia in the early 2016, Dhawan never remained consistent. Be it Asia Cup, T20 World Cup or India vs England ODI series, this batsman failed in each and every occasion.

He, however, got good grades in 2013 Champions Trophy which could be the reason behind his selection, ignoring those who were in the form of their lives. Dhawan was consistent with the bat in the last season of Champions Trophy and ended with 363 runs from five matches, including two hundreds and one fifty. He averaged a staggering 90.75 with the bat at a healthy strike-rate of 101.39

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Dhawan, however, wants to perform for Men in Blue. After his selection, he said his focus will remain on his form and he will leave no stone unturned to score runs for the side.

Expressing his happiness over his selection in the team, he said, "I am really happy to be selected in the squad, my only focus will be on my form and will try my best to score for the Indian team, and bring back the Champions Trophy again just like 2013.”

Patting his back, Dhawan said he began IPL 10 on a decent note by playing a crucial 40-run knock. He further said that he is in good form and want to carry the same in future also.

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“I was relaxed during my innings and focused on my process of playing, even during my Test series, I was more concerned about the process in IPL. I started the cash-rich league on a decent note and now I am in good touch. I hope to continue my good form in future as well,” said the Sunrisers Hyderabad opener.