Shikhar Dhawan's Technique Exposed Abroad

A year ago, he was stated to be the nest Sehwag. He trashed the Australians in his debut match, smashing 187 in his very first test inning, that too scoring more than a strike rate of 100. He was expected to excel as his technique involved good foot-movement, unlike Sehwag who relied on hand-eye coordination.

But one year down the line, only the long rope given by the selectors has sustained him in the playing 11. Numbers might say he has scored 319 runs in the 5 tests he has played in his career, which is not bad. But since his flamboyant debut, he has done little in the test arena. Even in the ODI sector, his performances have declined when it comes to playing against quality conditions in testing conditions.

Shikhar Dhawan scored merely 12 runs in the three ODI innings he has played in South Africa. Even in New Zealand, where the bowlers are lesser threatening than those of South Africa, he has been equally bad, scoring 80 odd runs at an average of 20. Now this is not what you expect from a batsman who is expected to replace Virender Sehwag.

Is his technique faulty? Yes, but outside the sub-continent. He suffers what I call the SureshRaina Syndrome - Inability to play the short stuff. His IPL teammate Dale Steyn exposed this weakness in a perfect manner in the test series in South Africa. Also, he has been suspectable to the moving ball. With these chinks in armour, it is hard to survive in overseas condition, no matter who the opposition is.

Now, well unlike my opinion about Suresh Raina, Dhawan can be given more chances. He is a good learner, as he learnt from his initial international disappointment to succeed. He can make mistakes, but he needs to learn from them. Moreover, an aggressive start is all is expected from him. Scoring a quick 30-40 will do his team an infinite amount of good rather than a drab 20 odd off 80 balls. Indian team needs the old aggressive-yet-cautious Dhawan. If in form, he can play a huge form in the current test series and the upcoming foriegn tours of England and Australia.