The role of Shikhar Dhawan in India's ODI success
What's the story
India have tasted success a lot of success in ODIs in past few months and Shikhar Dhawan has been at the forefront of it. Though South Africa ODIs have been all about Virat Kohli, one cannot forget Dhawan's contribution. With just 14 months remaining for the World Cup, we take a look at why Dhawan will be the crucial member for India in England.
2nd highest scorer
Dhawan had a fantastic ODI series in South Africa
Against South Africa, Dhawan scored 323 runs in 6 innings at an average of 64.60 and a super strike rate of 104.19. He also scored a hundred and two fifty-plus scores in the 6 matches. When Rohit Sharma failed to deliver with the bat, Dhawan ensured that India got off to a good start and continued to partner with Kohli in taking India ahead.
Consistent
Outside Asia, Dhawan has always been a top performer
If you look at Dhawan's ODI average in 102 ODI matches, he has scored 4,361 runs at an average of 45.90. The southpaw also boasts 13 ODI hundreds and 25 fifties and a strike rate of 93.44. Outside Asia, he has played 62 matches and has 2,594 runs at an average of 44.72 and strike rate of 92.18 with 8 hundreds and 13 fifties.
Favourite turf
Dhawan enjoys cricket on England pitches
If you just take Australia, England and South Africa into consideration, Dhawan has 1,835 runs at an average of 53.97 and a strike rate of 96.47 with 6 hundreds and 9 fifties. In England, in 14 matches he has managed to muster 856 runs at an average of 71.33 at a strike rate of 99.53. This also includes 3 hundreds and 4 fifties.
Kohli's struggles
Dhawan could be key to India's chances in England
Kohli, who is considered the backbone of the Indian batting line-up, averages 52.46 on English soil in 19 ODIs at a strike rate of 90.81. While these numbers look astonishing, Kohli has had troubles on English soil in Tests. In 5 Test matches that Kohli has played in England, he has managed 134 runs at an average of 13.40. He hasn't scored a 50.
Deceived by swing
Kohli has had troubles on English soil in the past
While one can argue that Tests and ODIs cannot be compared. However, Kohli couldn't score runs in England until the ICC Champions Trophy in 2017. Before the tournament, he averaged 38.54 in 14 matches, that is quite poor for a man who averages 50 plus even in T20Is and 58 plus in ODI cricket. Hence, Dhawan could be key to India's World Cup hopes.
Adding to pressure
Rohit too has hand troubles on English soil
It's not just Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma's struggles overseas are not new. He too struggled a lot in England until the ICC Champions Trophy in 2017. Before the tournament, Rohit averaged 38.16 in 7 matches with 229 runs to his name at a strike rate of 71.33. With Dhawan being the better of the top, a lot will rest on his shoulders.
India's best opener
Dhawan cannot be replaced in the limited overs squad
Dhawan is India's best opener overseas at the moment. KL Rahul is also good enough but cannot stake claim over Dhawan's superior quality. Dhawan is surging into form at the right time for India and one can only have their fingers crossed and hope he will carry the same momentum into the 2019 World Cup.