[1]India's fearless opening batsman Shikhar Dhawan is doing the unthinkable at the Champions Trophy — making fans forget Sachin Tendulkar, Virender Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir.
Dhawan, the 27-year-old left-hander from Delhi, has been the star of the eight-nation tournament with back-to-back centuries that eased the World Cup champions into the semifinals.
The moustache-twirling opener smashed 114 off 94 balls, with 12 boundaries and a six, in the opening match against a South African attack admittedly missing the world's premier fast bowler Dale Steyn.
Dhawan then plundered an unbeaten 102 off 107 balls against the West Indies in gloomy weather at the Oval on Tuesday, reaching three-figures with a six off Dwayne Bravo over third man.
It was his third successive international century, having made a spectacular 187 off 174 balls against Australia on his Test debut in Mohali in March.
“This boy is such an amazing batsman, I am sure he is here to stay,” India's former World Cup-winning captain Kapil Dev said.
“No one here in England is talking about the past. No one has so far asked about Sachin, Sehwag or Gambhir. Everyone is just talking about Shikhar Dhawan and his batting.
“That is a good sign for Indian cricket. Many young players are already taking over from the seniors. The change is going smoothly.”
Even rival players have been impressed. South African captain AB de Villiers, who has watched Dhawan closely in the IPL, said he was not surprised at his success.
“He has got the whole package and I am sure he’ll get better as his career goes along,” said de Villiers. “He is a good player.”
Dhawan said his first-class experience — 5,866 runs in 82 matches with 17 centuries — stood him in good stead. Asked by a reporter recently how he managed to remain cheerful at the crease, Dhawan said: “Enjoy watching my partner's batting. Enjoy running between the wickets. Enjoy taking the pressure.”
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