Shikhar Dhawan not concerned about loss in 1st ODI; Says team knows how to bounce back
Shikhar Dhawan isn't concerned about the first loss vs Bangladesh and feels that it happens often and they know how to bounce back from such situations.
"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," said Dhawan.
Bangladesh were 136/9 in 39.3 overs in their small chase of 187 but Mehidy Hasan and Mustafizur Rahman eked out an improbable win with an unbroken 51-run stand for the last wicket.
"It doesn't happen very often, they played well. Of course, Bangladesh are playing really good cricket," Dhawan said.
"We have analysed where we need to improve. Surely, we will create more impact in the coming games. We are very positive and in a good space, we are looking forward to it."
Talking about the positives, Dhawan said Washington Sundar could be groomed to become a "great" all-rounder for India in future.
The 23-year-old may have drawn flak for his sloppy fielding, but he has impressed especially in the ODI series against New Zealand where he scored his maiden half-century and also made a quick-fire 37 not out batting lower down the order.
"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."
Talking about India's rivalry with Bangladesh, Dhawan said: "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 keeps us on our toes. It brings the best out of us," he added.
Dhawan is also thinking ahead and feels that sweep and reverse sweep will come in handy next year during the ODI World Cup in India, where the spinners are bound to leave an impact.
"It's good to practice more. These shots will come in 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 said on the eve of their must-win game.
Having scored just one half-century in his last nine innings, the 37-year-old left-hander faces the heat in the build-up to the ODI showpiece.
Shubman Gill, who is not part of the series in Bangladesh, has emerged as a strong contender to open alongside skipper Rohit Sharma in the World Cup.
Team India head coach Rahul Dravid had a special session with him ahead of the second ODI on Wednesday.
Dhawan's struggles in the recent past have hurt India in the Powerplay. In the first ODI against Bangladesh, Dhawan scored 7 from 17 balls as Indian batters were bundled out for 186 in 41.2 overs.
With the series on the line, the team will face Bangladesh on Wednesday, 6 December in the 2nd ODI.
(Inputs PTI)
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