Shikhar Dhawan has been the mainstay of the Indian team with his willow, where he played match winning knocks against Pakistan and South Africa scoring 73 and 137 runs respectively in the ongoing World Cup.
But things were not this rosy some time ago, when the left-hander was criticised by several quarters for his poor scoring record in the Test series as well as the ODI series in Australia. There were growing concerns that the player might lose his opening slot, but the Indian thinktank was aware of his potential and gave him plenty of time to prove his worth and how well did he deliver.
Dhawan also needs to give credit to MS Dhoni, who showed huge faith in the player. Team director, Ravi Shastri and coach Duncan Fletcher backed the player as well giving him an extended run.
Additionally, West Indies great Michael Holding echoed the same.
"I think a big positive for people like Shikhar Dhawan is that you have quite a few very understanding people around. The coach Duncan Fletcher; of course Ravi Shastri now who is sort of managing the situation and MS Dhoni. I don't think those guys are the ones who panic," Holding, said during ESPNcricinfo's video show 'Match Point'.
It was easy to drop Dhawan, but they were aware of Dhawan's scoring ability, and when in form, he could take the attack to any opposition.
"And they know cricketers, they know the abilities of cricketers and they are quite happy to give them a good run."
Dhoni has a history of giving enough time to players to prove themselves even when the player is going through a lean patch. Players have benefited from such patient act of the Indian captain. This just shows that captain cool believes in the old saying, 'form is temporary, class is permanent.'
The former West Indies bowler was also very impressed with the way the Indian bowlers have been performing in the World Cup.
"They have been very good. I think they should have pitched them up when South Africa were about 86 runs on their board and about one ball, I think especially to (Hashim) Amla was pitched in line with the stumps. Everything to Amla was outside the off stump. They bowled some nice tidy lines to both the left handers and the right handers," said Holding.
Though India might not have much experience in their bowling line-up, they troubled the Pakistani as well as the highly rated South African batting line up. The Indian team are a confident lot as they prepare to take on minnows United Arab Emirates on 28 February.
