Dashing left-hander Shikhar Dhawan thinks that the Indian ODI team right now has the right mixture of youth and experience with the younger guys taking responsibility and playing like they have a lot of experience that adds to their strength as a limited-overs side. Dhawan believes that they have the x-factor to succeed anywhere and that’s why India have dominated the one-day series against South Africa so far, having won the first two games comprehensively in the six-match series.
“We have a lot of experience. For instance this is my second tour to South Africa, so I was better equipped for this tour, mentally and skill-wise. That plays a big role,” said Dhawan ahead of the third ODI against South Africa on Wednesday.
“The good thing is there is experience and youth, but the younger players are also playing like they have had a lot of experience. That is a big strength of ours.”
“With an all-rounder coming in, the balance overseas is set. We have the option of not introducing spinners early, depending on the situation. So we have a lot of flexibility. If the game goes a certain way, we know that we can bring on spinners later than normal, and Hardik can bowl at that time. That is certainly an x-factor,” he added.
“The key for our success is we are not losing wickets on top. Of course the South African fast bowling is very strong, but we are playing them nicely. And once we cross the first 10 overs, the ball gets a bit older and we dominate more after that,” he added.
