Shikhar Dhawan recalls 2013 Champions Trophy’s success, says his life changed after the tournament

Former Indian opener Shikhar Dhawan recalled how scoring consistently in the 2013 Champions Trophy helped him in his cricketing career. Dhawan top-scored in the tournament with 353 runs in five matches at an impressive average of 90.75 and batted at the top of his game.

The left-hander scored an impressive knock of 114 runs off just 94 balls in the tournament’s opener against South Africa with the help of dozen fours and one six. Dhawan said that knock gave him a shot in the arm as he was making a comeback to the 50-over version.

Shikhar Dhawan said on ICC, “Winning in 2013 was a great achievement, one of the biggest of my career. I scored a century in the first game against South Africa and it was a huge relief because it was my comeback match in ODI cricket. I was doing well in the Test team and it helped me back into the ODI side. I was nervous and excited but also really confident. Even though we had Rohit or Virat Kohli, I used to tell myself I was the best batter in the world.”

“My self-belief went up and I knew I belonged on that stage. I needed that self-belief, and then when I started to score runs and break records, it became almost a reality in that tournament. It was a great feeling, and my life changed. People started to recognise me in the street, people were talking about me, and even my moustache became famous! A lot of people grew a Shikhar Dhawan moustache and it was a real trend – crazy!”

Dhawan also top-scored in the 2017 Champions Trophy, scoring 338 runs at an average of 67.60 and played a key role in taking India to the final.

The former Delhi player said India has a balanced squad and thus there are a lot of reasons to be confident about the team’s showing in the eight-team tournament.

“There are a lot of reasons to be optimistic for India. They have a very balanced side, especially with the bat – there is a nice blend of experience and youth. Shubman Gill, in particular, is so consistent and he has a big role to play. I think he will have a great tournament. Rohit Sharma has found form, Virat Kohli is there; they are a top side and will take some stopping,” said Dhawan.

India will begin their Champions Trophy campaign against Bangladesh in Dubai on February 20.