IPL 2020: Trust my health, will recover even if I contract coronavirus, says Shikhar Dhawan

IPL 2020 fixtures are out and Delhi Capitals (DC) is set to face Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) on Sunday, September 20. The Shreyas Iyer-led team will start their campaign with their eyes set on clinching franchise’s maiden IPL title. The mix of youth and experience make DC one of the most exciting teams to look out for in this edition.

Team’s dazzling wicketkeeper-interacted with media in a virtual press conference and expressed his belief that the team have got everything in their arsenal to win the IPL 2020 trophy.

“The bond and the trust is very good. And according to the pitches and according to the situations we have a very good side and we are confident that we will take the cup,” Shikhar Dhawan said.

When asked if, like Suresh Raina and Hrabhajan Singh, he ever thought of quitting the IPL 2020 after landing in UAE or not at all flying to the Gulf country for the cash-rich league, the left-hand batsman said he trusts his health and no such thought came across his mind.

Dhawan added that he has worked hard over his health and fitness over the years and he is confident of recovering soon even if he contracts the deadly virus.

“I did not think of withdrawing for the event of travelling back. I have trust on my health, I have worked well on it. Unfortunately, Coronavirus is more risky for elderly people. I know I have exercised, worked hard on my health and fitness over the years, I know I might contract it but I will also recover soon. I have trust in my health and thought. We have been tested 8-9 times for coronavirus, we are following the protocols, BCCI has done really good job. My focus is on performing well in the IPL,” Dhawan, who joined DC in 2019, added.

Further the 34-year-old stated that team’s young captain Shreyas Iyer is sure to grab the leadership opportunity with both his hands. Dhawan asserted that the inclusion of experienced players like Ajinkya Rahane and Ravichandran Ashwin will further help Iyer. Shikhar Dhawan suggested that Shreyas Iyer should not only learn from his seniors but also from the juniors.

“Shreyas Iyer did pretty well last year too. This year Rahane, Ashwin have come in and they will share their insight. I am sure that Shreyas have that open mind to learn from not only seniors but juniors as well. He will grab the opportunity with both hands.”

IPL 2020 will be held across only 3 venues — Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah, and this according to the swashbuckling opener will aide the bowlers. Dhawan reckoned that the wearing and tearing of the pitches will help the balls spin.

“Wickets will be sued more and so the wear and tear will be more, the bowlers will benefit from that as the ball will spin. In the T20 format it gets difficult for batsmen to score at fast pace, it will be a good challenge and opportunity for batsman to show their skill. The pitches will be good initially, the practice pitches are also good but as there are only 3 ground it they would slow down later because of regular matches on them,” Shikhar Dhawan said.