Shikhar Dhawan opens up on the challenges of being a one-format specialist

Being a one-format specialist has its own merits and perils. While a one-format player gets ample rest to switch off and on, the lack of game time can be a huge deterrent.

Indian opener Shikhar Dhawan knows that better than most. Now an ODI specialist, the southpaw returns to the scheme of things with the upcoming three-match series in England.

With India playing only T20Is and Test matches these days, Dhawan has barely got any game time in recent months but the marquee opener has been preparing for it, keeping himself fit and adhering to the process during his time away from limelight.

Apart from these three ODIs, Dhawan will also lead the 50-over team in the West Indies, a role he performed last year in Sri Lanka.

Ahead of the ODI series against England, Dhawan recently opened up about his preparations and how he keeps himself in prime shape during his off days while interacting exclusively with News18.

"I keep myself prepared. I know that I have to prepare well before the tour so I always focus on my process and follow a system always. Now I've gotten a chance to play ODI in England, so I've been preparing for this. Playing more and more matches in the best possible way is the key so that you are in touch with the game."

Dhawan added:

"Apart from IPL, I keep my fitness on track and keep practicing so that my body works accordingly when I want it to. I feel fresh too, in that way, my body has enough time to recover and enough time to gain strength when I'm going to a tournament and these things benefit me during the matches."

Dhawan's best format has always been 50-over cricket as he is well versed in pacing the innings, according to the requirements. 

"I've been playing ODIs for quite some years now and that has helped me gain a lot of experience. It's a beautiful format, there are 50 overs and you have to play aggressively and mellow it down according to the situation and understand the game. I feel that my basics have been strong since the beginning, I trust my technique and keep a calm mind while playing, and as an opener, it is very important. I know how to build my innings and convert them into a big score," said Dhawan.

'Gabbar' has thus far represented India in 149 ODIs, scoring 6284 runs at 45.53 apiece with the help of 35 half-centuries and 17 hundreds.

The first ODI of the three-match series will take place at the Oval on July 12.