Sri Lanka vs India, 1st Test: Destiny had different plan for me, says Shikhar Dhawan

Galle: Stylish Indian opener Shikhar Dhawan, who made a memorable comeback to the Test team with a blistering century, said on Wednesday that he was satisfied with his performance against Sri Lanka on the opening day of the first Test at Galle.

Dhawan smashed a career-best 190 during a brilliant Indian batting assault as India posted 399-3 on the first day of the Test match.

The left-handed batsman struck 31 boundaries in a blazing 168-ball knock and also stitched together a 253-run partnership with Cheteshwar Pujara (144*) to take the visitors to a commanding position on the very first day itself.

"My plans were to go to Melbourne and enjoy time with my family and do training and get fit for the ODI series (vs Sri Lanka). I was in Hong Kong with family and from there I flew back to India and joined the team. That was my plan but I think destiny had different plans for me. I am happy and thankful to God," said Dhawan at the press conference.

"I was happy to make a comeback into the Test team. Unfortunately Murali Vijay wasn't fit and I had a good run before this Test series and I just came with same mindset and same confidence, followed the same process in the nets and got myself ready for the Test series," he added.

When quizzed whether it was the wicket that was good or it was his style of play, the 31-year-old said, "The wicket was good. There was not much spin. But it has good bounce and pace. And I feel that I batted well too."

The Delhi lad however fell short of his maiden double ton in Tests as he got out at the stroke of Tea on his individual score of 190. It was Dhawan's fifth Test ton overall.

"Of course I was disappointed that I got out at 190. I would left the score 200, 30o of course. But more than that I got out on wrong time, it was just last over but the way I was playing, I was confident that I can clear the mid-off fielder and I was almost hitting boundary per over ball so I was in that zone I just pack myself unfortunately it didn't go my way," said Dhawan.

"I am disappointed that I couldn't score 200 but satisfied that I scored 190," he added.

Dhawan's last Test century was at the same venue, during India's 2015 tour to Sri Lanka. India lost the Galle match but went on to win the remaining two games to pocket the series 2-1.