India are all set to take on Sri Lanka in the forthcoming three-match Test series starting from 12 August. It will be really challenging for the Virat Kohli-led Team India to end the 22-year old jinx of not winning a Test series in Sri Lanka.
India opening batsman Shikhar Dhawan felt that the "controlled and aggressive" nature of skipper Kohli charges up players in the team and that will help them succeed in the series.
"He (Kohli) is really controlled and aggressive in the field and that brings an aggressiveness on all the players too and we are also more attacking towards the opponents.
"We are still the same and it is not that something has changed. It is good that my captain has expectations from me and I hope I play consistently for my team," Dhawan told reporters ahead of the Test series in Sri Lanka.
Dhawan felt that the upcoming tour of Sri Lanka will be a challenging one and he is happy to be in form ahead of the series. He also spoke about the competition at the opening slot and felt that it is healthy to have such competition, since it spurs players to perform.
"It is going to be a good series. They have also got a young side and we also don't have a mature Test side so it is going to be a good competition. I think it is a good thing for Indian cricket that there is so much competition for opening slot. Players put in more effort because you can be kicked out if you don't play well and make mistakes. I take it positively and try to ensure that I give my best," said Dhawan.
Dhawan, who holds the record of scoring the fastest century on debut in Test cricket, against Australia in 2013, said nowadays a team needs a player who can score at a brisk pace in the longer format of the game as well.
"In Test cricket now, you also need players who can score quickly, it has became very important because sometimes in second innings or first innings if you score quickly it helps the team. I have always been like that, so it doesn't bother me. I just try to keep it simple. If I get a good delivery, I just defend it and If I get a loose ball then I hit it and make runs.
"It depends on wicket. If the wicket is turning, it will be difficult for the batsman to play the spinner. Then you have to be more careful. You can't go and play your shots easily on a fast-bowling track also," said Dhawan.
