news details |
|
|
| You never know when life can change: Shikhar Dhawan | | | Kingston: Shikhar Dhawan's career graph has risen like the phoenix over the past few months. After years of being out in the cold, the Delhi cricketer now says he never expected another opportunity to showcase his batting skills for Team India.
But having worked hard to get back, he wants to make the most of this stint as opener. The decision to go ahead with his marriage too has made him a more responsible person.
Excerpts from an interview...
You have changed many things about your batting style but another big change in your life has been your marriage. Has marriage given you stability?
Yes, when I was single I was very careless. I guess that's how every bachelor is. Having fun, not caring about things. However, when I was getting married it was an issue at home. My wife has two children from a previous marriage. The culture that we belong to, it would have been an issue with anyone's family. Our society has a certain perspective to things. That period of my life was difficult. It took great courage to stick to my decision. I wanted to go ahead with my marriage. This gave me lots of strength.
I have matured after my marriage. I take care of my wife and children. She lives in Australia and keeps travelling between the two countries. I take care of the house when she is not here. I look after small things like electricity bills, gas etc. I have taken on a lot of responsibilities which have helped me be a mature person. My performance on the field is exactly how my life is. A cricketer's personal life does reflect on the field.
There was a time where you were out of the Indian team. Did you have doubts about playing cricket at the highest level?
Being out of the team was heartbreaking. Once I was in Bangalore at the NCA and the Indian team happened to be there. When I saw some of them perform, I was really disappointed knowing that I have the potential but still am not part of the team. I am grateful to God that he has made me a positive person. My nature is such that I cannot remain sad for a very long time. Even during my hard times, I was aware that I had missed the opportunity. It was my mistake, I could have performed better in the five matches I got.
I analyzed where I was making mistakes and started working on my game. I always had the belief that I will make it. For me, it is an unending race. You never know when, and how, life will change. I had never thought that Virupaji and Gautampaji would not be part of Team India.
They have been legends for India, they have been playing for the last 10 years. I had the belief that I will be given a second chance. I didn't expect another opportunity, I worked hard towards getting it. Even in that phase of my life where I was playing Ranji and club cricket I had the same focus. I am very grateful to my coaches, who rectified my errors. Today I'm a better cricketer.
How is MS Dhoni as captain and what is your personal equation with him?
He is very cool and calm. He always supports and encourages youngsters. I guess that's what a youngster wants when he has just entered the team. A newcomer is hesitant, he wants to settle down, create his own space. When one is down and the captain comes up with some encouraging words, it makes a lot of difference.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
| |
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
