ICC T20 World Cup 2021: Shikhar Dhawan needs to cement his slot for T20 World Cup: VVS Laxman

ICC T20 World Cup 2021: Shikhar Dhawan needs to cement his slot for T20 World Cup: VVS Laxman.

ICC T20 World Cup 2021: Team India?s skipper for the Sri Lanka tour, Shikhar Dhawan will be in the line with his other mates to cement his slot as an opener for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2021 alongside Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul, says former Indian cricketer VVS Laxman.

Although Team India has regularly relied on the services of Dhawan in the ODIs, his position in the shortest format has been in jeopardy. Owing to his back to back consistent performances in the IPL 2021, Dhawan has successfully raised eyebrows of selectors and made himself a prominent choice to open with Rohit Sharma.

?Shikhar Dhawan will be very clear that he has to use this opportunity ? especially keeping in mind the T20 World Cup, there is so much stiff competition,? said Laxman on Star Sports show ?Game Plan?.

"So, while he is excited being the captain of the Indian team ? and anyone will be proud to lead their country ? but his focus will be to score runs and put his spot in a secure position."

The competition for Shikhar Dhawan and KL Rahul became tougher with Virat Kohli opting to open the innings with Rohit Sharma in the last T20I against England, earlier this year.

Both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli put up a solid opening stand for India in the fifth T20I against England. Moreover, Kohli is consistently opening the innings in RCB this year.

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"There is Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul ? who are established opening batsmen. Virat Kohli, very clearly mentioned that he wants to open in T20 formats. So, Shikhar Dhawan has to be amongst runs,? added the former cricketer.

The limited-overs series against Sri Lanka could act as a ramp for Dhawan to take a leap over KL Rahul in the opening slot.

Laxman feels that the southpaw is rewarded for his supreme consistency and picked as a leader of a senior Indian team.

?First thing, I think he is being rewarded for his consistent performance for the Indian Team, ? especially in white-ball cricket ? and he is the most experienced player in this squad," Laxman said.

The Sri Lanka tour is India?s only limited-overs tour before the T20 World Cup 2021 which is scheduled to kickstart from October 17.

The tour will also test a couple of youngsters to cement their places in the World Cup squad as selectors will be closely monitoring the matches.

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