Captain Shikhar Dhawan spends ‘downtime’ with team mates before squad meeting ahead of Sri Lanka series

Captain Shikhar Dhawan posted an update from Sri Lanka as the Indian white ball team gear up for their three-match ODI series in the country. Dhawan shared pictures of him with his team mates before a team meeting.

“Downtime with the boys followed by a team meeting ahead of the big series,” said Dhawan in his caption.

The opening batsman can be seen with batsman Suryakumar Yadav and spinner Varun Chakravarthy in the first picture. In the second Dhawan is playing a video game with fast bowler Bhuvneshwar Kumar, spinner Anukul Roy and batsman Prithvi Shaw with head coach Rahul Dravid looking on in the background.

Earlier, former batsman VVS Laxman said that Dhawan will be looking to make his case for the upcoming T20 World Cup by scoring runs in Sri Lanka.

“First thing, I think he is being rewarded for his consistent performance for the Indian Team, especially in white-ball cricket and he is the most experienced player in this squad. But Shikhar Dhawan will be very clear that he has to use this opportunity especially keeping in mind the T20 World Cup, there is so much stiff competition,” Laxman said on Star Sports’ show Game Plan.

“There is Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul who are established opening batsmen. Virat Kohli, very clearly mentioned that he wants to open in T20 formats. So, Shikhar Dhawan has to be amongst runs. So, while he is excited being the captain of the Indian team and anyone will be proud to lead their country but his focus will be to score runs and put his spot in a secure position,” Laxman added.

India’s tour starts on July 13 with the first ODI. It will be followed by a three-match T20I series that starts on July 21.