Twitter reactions on Shikhar Dhawan’s 16th ODI century vs Australia at Mohali

Twitter reactions on Shikhar Dhawan’s 16th ODI century: Twitter was elated as the opening batsman played a magnificent innings.

During the fourth ODI of the ongoing Australia’s tour of India at Mohali, India opening batsman Shikhar Dhawan scored his 16th ODI century to find form after a continual lean patch in ODI cricket.

Coming on the back of almost being left out from the playing XI ahead of this match, Dhawan made optimum use of the opportunity given to him. Dhawan’s innings would have most likely come as a respite for the team management for he is a vital cog in the wheel going into the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019.

Opening the batting with vice-captain Rohit Sharma, the duo shared a 193-run opening stand. It was the southpaw who took on the mantle against Australia’s new-ball bowlers. With Sharma taking his time initially, it was Dhawan who played all-round the ground.

India had scored 58-0 in the first powerplay. With Dhawan scoring 42* (34), it speaks highly about the southpaw’s domination from the word go. On the first ball of the 14th over, Dhawan scored a boundary off Australia fast bowler Jhye Richardson to bring up his half-century.

Dhawan’s journey from converting his half-century into a century might have looked to come at a slower rate but it wasn’t really the case. It was at this time that Sharma had pressed the accelerator and hence outdid Dhawan for a brief period.

On the last delivery of the 32nd over, Dhawan paddled Adam Zampa for another boundary to bring up his century. The shot was soon followed by the archetype Gabbar Celebration.

How Twitter reacted:

Before getting out in the 38th over, Dhawan ended up scoring his career-best ODI score, 143 (115), with the help of 18 fours and three sixes. Hailing him as an “important player“, India Batting Coach Sanjay Bangar was vocal about Dhawan during the post-match press conference after the third ODI.