Sri Lanka vs India: Shikhar Dhawan credits tough competition' for his success

Pallekele: Shikhar Dhawan continued his fine form from the ICC Champions Trophy to the Test series in Sri Lanka where Team India completed a clean sweep of 3-0 over the home side. The southpaw wasn’t even part of Virat Kohli’s side for the Test series but got an opportunity after Murali Vijay was declared unfit.

However, the Delhi batsman grabbed the opportunity with both hands emerging as the leading run scorer in the series with 358 runs that included 2 magnificent centuries. Dhawan revealed how competition for places prompted him to perform well.

"Before this series, I was in Hong Kong enjoying the holiday (smiles). Unfortunately one of our openers was unfit and I got a chance to come over here and by the grace of God things went very well for me and got the Man of the Series award. I am enjoying my batting right now. I enjoy playing this way, this is my natural game (playing positive cricket). I have to keep performing well because we have tough competition for all the slots, so that is a great sign for Indian cricket. It keeps me on my toes."

Dhawan has also been included in the upcoming 5-match ODI series against Sri Lanka commencing on the 20th of August.