Shikhar Dhawan, who played exclusively ODIs at the end of his career, is aware of how infrequent games can throw off a player’s rhythm. However, he believes that Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli won’t be affected because they will have played enough games before the 2027 World Cup.
Drawing on his personal experience of switching to a one-format regular, Dhawan admitted that a player’s flow might be disrupted by fewer matches.
“Yes, when you play one format at the International level, your flow does get disrupted,” Dhawan told PTI during an interview.
“So players focus on fitness because you are not playing too many games. You are talking about Rohit and Virat and they are matured individuals. It is a challenge but they know how to convert challenge into an opportunity.
“If you look at their fitness, Virat was always fit but Rohit has undergone tremendous transformation,” the man with nearly 7000 ODI runs said.
He noted that there will be plenty of chances for the senior duo to be in sync in the run-up to the upcoming ODI World Cup, reflecting on how scheduling dynamics affect preparation.
“Now with 2027 WC round the corner, they will get to play a lot of ODI matches. If you look at the time when I became a one format player, there were back to back T20 World Cups (2021 and 22) and I was playing ODIs which were few and far between. So matches won’t be a problem for Rohit and Virat and there’s enough time for the event.”
Turning his focus to up-and-coming talent, Dhawan emphasized that top-notch performances should take precedence over age-related worries, citing young Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s bold approach.
“If Vaibhav is doing brilliantly at the senior level then that has to be counted and not his age. Yes he is a kid but it’s astonishing the way he hits Bumrah and Arshdeep for such huge sixes. A lot of big guns haven’t done what he has at such small age. Obviously his time will come. It’s bound to come.”
Drawing comparisons to his own lengthy tenure with Rohit and Kohli, he emphasized the challenge of breaking into a stable top order.
“Look if top order is doing well you can’t readily replace them. When me Ro and Virat were playing, we nearly played for a decade and it wasn’t easy to replace us. It is up to the individual how they take it. It can pinch you a bit but one shouldn’t be disheartened if the chance doesn’t come along readily. Vaibhav has so much blessings at this young age.”
Dhawan saw how batting ideas in Twenty20 cricket have evolved from cautious beginnings to a more aggressive template, all the while appreciating excellent technique.
“When we started our coaches said that hit along the ground and now it is opposite. Like Vaibhav has good defense as I have watched him defend close to his body.”
He emphasized the significance of attitude and match practice when discussing the demands of changing formats, especially for a generation that was mostly raised in T20 cricket.
“Technique needs to be good but switching formats needs a shift in mindset knowing when you need to increase or decrease pace. That comes with match practice. Today’s generation is building their game based on T20 so there will be challenges for them.”
Dhawan expressed satisfaction with his current endeavors while keeping the door open for a potential IPL coaching position.
“If I am offered a chance to coach an IPL team why not? But I am content in my life. I am attached to cricket through my HPC.”
