Former India selector Sandip Patil spilled the beans on southpaw Shikhar Dhawan’s Test debut, 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 Sandip Patil revealed how he had inisisted on Dhawan being included in Virender Sehwag’s place.
How did Shikhar Dhawan make his Test debut?
Speaking to MidDay, Patil recalled that Shikhar Dhawan 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.
“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,” Patil told Mid-Day.
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Shikhat Dhawan had a dream Test debut and coming into the team in place of Virender Sehwag, 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.
Dhawan’s blitz along with Murali Vijay’s century ensured that India gave a fitting reply to Australia’s 408-run 1st innings total. India went on to win the match by 6 wickets and Shikhar Dhawan was named the Player of the Match.
