Star Opener Shikhar Dhawan Hungry for More Hundreds in Series Against Bangladesh

Opening batsman Shikhar Dhawan is looking forward to doing well in India's tour of Bangladesh next month. Dhawan, who has cemented his place in both the Test and One-Day International (ODI) squads, will look to add more runs to his nameto further enhance his reputation.

Dhawan was a part of a strong India team that was named for the tour, which includes MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane, Rohit Sharma and Cheteshwar Pujara. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) made it clear with their team selection that the are not taking their lightly as the latter thrashed Pakistan 3-0 in a recently-concluded ODI series.  

Dhawan, who has played 61 ODIs and 13 Tests so far, has scored eight and two centuries respectively, and while that stat can always be bettered, he remains one of the vital cogs in India's wheel.

"You have to have the persistence power, something that has helped me out over the years to deal with failures," Dhawan told reporters.

"Now I am seen as a successful cricketer but the fact is that I have had more failure than success. You are bound to undergo hardships and it has been no different for me.

"I have played about 60 odd games (ODIs) and scored only eight hundreds. A lot of the guys worry about their form, for me it is just about being persistent and patient."

Dhawan was out of form in patches over the past two years, but he waited for the right time and believed in himself. He was the best batsman for India during the ICC World Cup 2015 in Australia and New Zealand, amassing 412 runs in 8 innings at a nice average of 51.50.

Following a successful World Cup, Dhawan was also one of the crucial members for the Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL, as he opened the batting with David Warner. In IPL 2015, he scored 353 runs in 14 matches with a strike rate 123.42.

Now, with the IPL over, international cricket will be back in full swing. India will tour Bangladesh this June and Dhawan has made his way into the Test and ODI squad for this three-week long tour. 

"I just want to keep focussing tour by tour, prepare well. Fitness is also important as we play round the year. It is not that easy. You have to work on your fitness, maintain it. I try to do it whenever I have an off day," Dhawan said. 

The memories of his Test debut for India back in 2013 will always be fresh, as his knock of 187 runs against the Australia caught the eye of everyone. Also his century against South Africa in World Cup 2015 was a special innings.

"The hundred against South Africa was memorable as it was against a very good team. It was very satisfying. Then the Mohali Test has to be the most memorable match of my career. It was a dream come true for me. You can't like bat that regularly," Dhawan concluded.