Shikhar Dhawan Interview: 'Shubman Gill Is Elegant, Rishabh Pant Brings Unpredictability'
Shikhar Dhawan speaks to News18 CricketNext about the future of Indian cricket, from Vaibhav Suryavanshi's talent, to Gill-Pant dynamic and his choice of next white-ball openers.
Shikhar Dhawan's retirement from the Indian team was never just about losing a top-class opener. The country's talent is vast, and it was always going to happen — sooner for him than the other 2/3rd of the famous top-order trio, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, because of their stature and leadership needs.
It was more about losing a character. Dhawan in Blue brought some fun into the hard work in one of the best white-ball teams the country has seen, whether it was with his relentless ability to hit pacers through covers, that infectious smile in celebrating hundreds, or the obvious, thigh-slaps.
So when News18 CricketNext got the opportunity to ask the former opener a few questions, we touched upon a variety of subjects, mostly about the team's journey after him. Excerpts:
The One felt right because people know the Shikhar who scored runs, celebrated with thigh fives, and danced through victories. But this book dives into the other side of the doubts, the struggle & the pressure no one saw. It's about everything that made me the person I am, not just the player.
Are you following the ongoing Test series between India and England? You had a really underrated Test career. Do you miss the format?
I do keep an eye on it. I've always loved Test cricket, it's where your patience, technique, and temperament get tested like nowhere else. I have some beautiful memories, especially that debut hundred in Mohali.
They definitely have the talent and the stage. Rishabh brings unpredictability, while Gill is calm and elegant. If they stick around, stay grounded, and keep learning they could form that core, the one that wins big games under pressure. But the journey is long and consistency and fitness will decide how far they go.
What do you think about Vaibhav Suryavanshi's talent? Is it too early to set expectations? And if you had to give him one piece of advice?
The boy's got something special, no doubt. But yeah, it's still early days. My advice would be don't rush the process. Fame & form, they come and go. What stays is discipline, humility, and how well you know yourself. If he can hold onto that, he'll definitely go far.
India has an abundance of openers in Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Abhishek Sharma, KL Rahul, and so many more. Who are your first-choice picks going forward in ODIs and T20Is?
It's a great sign for Indian cricket. Jaiswal and Gill are solid they are fearless, and still evolving. I'd back them for the long run. Abhishek has that aggression & flair. The bench strength is insane. The key will be consistency and handling pressure when it really matters & I think that will define who will open the innings in respective formats.
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