Sandip Patil spilled beans on Shikhar Dhawan’s dream Test debut for India
Former selector of team India SandipPatil spilled the beans on the test debut ofShikharDhawan, days after the veteran’s retirement. ‘Gabbar’ had a memorable Test debut against Australia in 2013 as he shattered records in his very first game. Then chief selector SandipPatil revealed how he had insisted on Dhawan being included in VirenderSehwag’s place.
While speaking, Patil recalled that ShikharDhawan was in splendid form at that time and that it was the right time to have picked the southpaw. He added that his efforts had paid off after Dhawan redeemed himself with a blazing knock that saw the Aussies go down in that match.
Patil said, “Shikhar had form going for him. You have to pick players at the right time when they are among the runs. There are various examples of young players not being picked when they have runs to back them and if they don’t get picked, they feel very disappointed and that is not a good thing. Yes, I had to press for his inclusion, and I am so glad he didn’t let me down.”
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ShikhatDhawan had a dream Test debut and coming into the team in place of VirenderSehwag, he couldn’t have fared any better. The southpaw wasted no time In taking on the bowlers and soon went on to smash the fastest Test hundred off just 85 deliveries. His knock, comprising of elegant drives and reverse sweeps, came to an end 13 runs short of a well-deserved double century. Dhawan’s 187-run knock was laced with 33 fours and two sixes.