Dhawan prepares for South Africa T20s during Bangladesh A game
Indian batsman Shikhar Dhawan said that while playing the three-day Test against Bangladesh 'A' side, he was thinking about Twenty20 game and thus started playing quick, reports ESPNcricinfo. India went on to win the one-off Test against the visitors by an innings and 32 runs in Bengaluru.
Dhawan scored a swashbuckling 150 runs innings off just 146 balls against the junior Bangladesh touring side for India 'A'. He added that he was just practising for upcoming T20 series against South Africa.
"I started off in the Test mode, and luckily I got boundaries," Dhawan said. "Once I got to 50, I was thinking about the T20 matches I have to play. That's why I was playing more aggressively after that. I wanted to practice the shots that I will play in T20s and later on in the series [against South Africa].
"See, I was practising with the red ball because we were using that in this match. And once I scored 50, I was in that flow and I knew that wicket was supportive and I could play more freely. You don't get many opportunities like this. Sometimes you have to let yourself go. There's always pressure when you are playing for your team, and I enjoyed batting over here. The wet ball was to keep my reflexes going strong. South Africa has got a good fast bowling attack so I had to do that. I made sure I did everything to get ready for the series."
The Indian opener came to this match after a month-long break due to his hand injury and after the brilliant performance, he definitely has passed the fitness test. Dhawan feels confident about his hand now and he is happy the way it responded.
"I am happy with the way I came back after a month, and the way my hand responded," he said. "I used the spray because I dived on the field, and I had a scratch on my hand. It was a layer to cover up. But my hand is doing great, and hopefully it will be all right against South Africa."
Dhawan said he was ready and looking forward to the home international season. "Of course, it's going to be a tough challenge and it will be a great series [against South Africa]. It's always good if two strong sides are playing. We are playing at home so that's our advantage, and hopefully we will end the series on a good winning note."