“Shikhar Dhawan is a treat to watch but his real test lies when he will take on Dale Steyn later this year,” says former Indian captain Mohammad Azharuddin. He is very much impressed with the way Shikhar has been approaching his game and would be looking to continue to extend this dream-run for as long as possible as it adds great deal of strength to the Indian top-order, which was looking bit fragile since past couple of years.
He compared him with the great batsmen like Mark Waugh and Allan Lamb and was quoted by The Indian Express, "Shikhar's real test will be against Dale Steyn in South Africa. He is a good player to watch as he has a high-on-handle stance. A lot like Allan Lamb or Mark Waugh -- the players of our generation."
Dhawan played a blitzkrieg on Monday against South Africa A when he recorded a 248 run knock which helped India to register a 39 run victory to make their ways to final of the tri-series where they will be facing Australia A in Pretoria. With this scintillating double hundred, he has surpassed the highest score that was set by Virender Sehwag when he smashed a 219 against West Indies in 2011.
Meanwhile the reports in DNA quoted Azhar saying, "He is a compulsive puller but I saw a tendency of his to recede back to short balls during Champions Trophy in England. He should sort that out before Steyn and (Morne) Morkel come calling."
Azharuddin is quite happy to see the likes of Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and Chetashwar Pujara responding so well after the likes of Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman paid adieu to the team in last year or so. India A will be having couple of unofficial Tests against South Africa 'A' from August 17. This is going to be a great opportunity for players like Murali Vijay and Suresh Raina to have a go for a Test place for the very important tour of South Africa which India will be having later this year in November-December.
Azharuddin was quoted by Deccan Chronicle saying, "I like those players who are always looking ways to score. Virat and Pujara may be different in their approach but have quality. Rohit disappointed me slightly as I have huge expectations from him. He is phenomenally talented and I have not seen anyone with so much time to play his shots. They will shoulder the burden of Indian batting for minimum next 7-8 years," Azhar concluded.