There is something about Shikhar Dhawan and Champions Trophy. The left-hander was at his menacing best in the must-win encounter against South Africa in Oval on Sunday. Shikhar scored 83-ball 78 to help India beat South Africa and march into the semifinals of the competition.
The opener looked in great touch right from the outset. He was timing the ball wonderfully and was scoring runs from good balls too. When the ball was pitched up, he was ready to drive the ball through the covers and if short, he brought his cut or the pull shot to send the ball towards the boundary line.
Chasing 192 runs to win, after a good bowling performance from India, it was Shikhar's innings of 78, which comprised 12 fours and one six, which did the trick for India. However, one should not forget Shikhar's partnership with Kohli, who also got onto his groove, remaining 76 not out as India reached the target with 12 overs to spare.
Shikhar and Kohli were in great form to help India reach the semis, but it is Shikhar, who has been one of the standout performers for India in the Champions Trophy. His 78-run innings was his third straight half-century this competition, and when it comes to CT, there is no stopping this run-machine from India.
The left-hander loves batting in ICC events, especially Champions Trophy, where his record is brilliant. Even in the last edition of the competition, which also took place in England, Shikhar was in majestic touch, scoring 363 runs, including two hundreds and one fifty.
It was his run-scoring ability, which helped India win the title in 2013. Shikhar also walked away with the man of the series award as well.
Coming to this Champions Trophy, he has started well and is India's in-form batsman. He knows that work is only half done. India, who currently top Group B, are expected to face Bangladesh in their semifinals encounter.
Shikhar will be eager to help India win back-to-back Champions Trophy . For that to happen, Shikhar needs to maintain his love affair with Champions Trophy and score runs like the way he has been doing so for India in ICC events.
