My focus is definitely on the 2023 World Cup: Shikhar Dhawan

One of India's finest openers, Shikhar Dhawan, has revealed that he is striving hard to be a part of the national squad for the 2023 World Cup.

The experienced batter will don the role of an opener in the ODI series against England. Later this month, he will also captain the Men in Blue in the ODI series against West Indies.

Ahead of the 1st ODI at Kennington Oval, Dhawan has reckoned that he has prepared well and hopes to regain his rhythm and contribute to the team.

"I understand the need to prepare well before a tour, so I make sure to keep focusing on my basics and the method of my preparation. I had been practising for quite some time for the England ODIs and I'm sure I'll be in fine rhythm in the coming matches," said Dhawan. 

The 36-year-old is focussing on scoring runs consistently in international, IPL, and domestic matches to be a part of the 2023 World Cup squad.

"My focus is definitely on next year's World Cup and for that, I want to play as many matches as possible for India and do well there. In between, there will be the IPL as well, so I will try to do well there and also look to play the domestic one day and T20 matches." 

Dhawan last featured for India against West Indies in February this year and could contribute only ten runs. However, in 14 games of IPL 2022, the southpaw garnered 460 runs at an average of 38.33. 

Dhawan counts on his experience  

The skilful batter seemed confident upon his return to international cricket after five months because of his experience and technique. Further, the talented batter credits his calm mind for converting starts into big scores.

"I've loads of experience in the first place. Also, I'm quite confident about my basics and technique, which are important facets for an opener. At the same time, a calm mind helps me build my innings and convert it into a big score. That keeps me in a good headspace," he added.