Shikhar Dhawan against comparing Rishabh Pant to MS Dhoni

Dhawan against comparing Rishabh Pant to MS Dhoni: The Indian opening batsman quashes comparisons between the two wicket-keepers.

In a match where the Indian bowlers and fielders conceded 359 runs in less than 48 overs, opening batsman Shikhar Dhawan scoring his 16th ODI century was doubtlessly the highest point of the match for the hosts.

Coming on the back of a lean patch, Dhawan was being severely criticized for his slump in form. Repeated failures had even made people question his spot for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019.

Speaking during the post-match press conference, Dhawan claimed the century to be ‘satisfying’. Having lost the match, the southpaw hoped of the team doing good in the fifth ODI.

“I enjoyed my innings. It was very satisfying to score a century. Sad that we lost the game. We had a good total on the board. But it’s alright. We have another game coming up. We would put this game aside, move ahead and keep the energies up for the next game,” Dhawan was quoted as saying.

“I stay in positive mindset and keep doing my process”

Addressing the reporters on being asked about being written negative in newspapers, Dhawan mentioned that he doesn’t know about what people write about him and prefers to stay in a positive mindset.

“I really don’t know what people write [about me] in the newspaper. I only stay in positive mindset and just keep doing my process. Things come on their own. When I talk to myself, I make sure that I cut down the negative thoughts and accept the reality,” Dhawan said.

The 33-year old cricketer credited Australia middle-order batsman Ashton Turner, who turned the match on his own with his ‘Man of the Match’ effort. “I would give credit to him that he played with that composure and took the game away from us. He played really well,” Dhawan further said.

“Rishabh is a young bloke”

The Indian fielding came under the scanner after a couple of catches and stumping dismissals were missed. Dhawan himself dropped a sitter during the slog overs. However, it was wicket-keeper batsman Rishabh Pant who faced the heat both on the ground and off it.

Having missed a couple of stumping dismissals and given a few runs, Pant witnessed the crowd shouting “Dhoni Dhoni” in a bid to lash out at him. The 21-year old wicket-keeper batsman was also at the receiving end of denunciation on social media platform Twitter.

Highlighting the huge difference of experience between the two cricketers, Dhawan quashed all such comparisons between Pant and Mahendra Singh Dhoni and laid emphasis on giving more time to young players.

“Rishabh is a young bloke and you have to give time to the youngsters. Considering Dhoni’s vast experience and Rishabh still finding his feet, you cannot compare Rishabh Pant to MS Dhoni. Of course had the stumping chance been taken, it could have turned the game.

Having said that, the game slipped away from our hands quite quickly after that. The dew also played its part in the game. But that’s what it is,” Dhawan concluded.

How Twitter reacted:

The fifth and deciding ODI between India and Australia will be played at Delhi on Wednesday.