IND vs SA 2022: Shikhar Dhawan has to regain the intent – Wasim Jaffer

Former Indian opener Wasim Jaffer believes Shikhar Dhawan was lacking the intent in the first two ODIs against South Africa. Dhawan was dismissed after scoring four runs in the first ODI and then he was dismissed after scoring only 13 runs.

Both the times, Dhawan has been dismissed by Wayne Parnell. Jaffer feels Dhawan is missing the aggressive intent in his batting, which is leading to his downfall.

In fact, Dhawan had a good ODI series against Zimbabwe as he scored 154 runs in three matches but he hasn’t been able to continue the same against a quality bowling line-up of South Africa.

Wasim Jaffer said while talking to ESPN Cricinfo, “I don’t think he is hurrying himself. On the contrary, I feel he is playing in a laid-back manner. When we saw Shikhar Dhawan in his purple patch, it looked like he played aggressively from the outset and there was an intent to score runs.

“So, I’m not able to see those now, and something I can see in Shubman Gill. Hence, Shikhar Dhawan has to regain that intent.”

He added: “I feel he is taking plenty of time at the start. If he hits 2-3 boundaries at the beginning, his confidence would be high. If his feet moves and it’s in sync, it would be better.”

Meanwhile, Rajat Patidar, who impressed while playing in the IPL for RCB and also in the domestic circuit for his state team, Madhya Pradesh, had received a maiden call-up to the squad. However, Jaffer feels giving one match to Patidar won’t do much.

“I don’t think so because all the players are in good form. Maybe if India had already pocketed the series, then they could’ve experimented. Like I said, you win the series because it’s a world-class side and if they are out of the World Cup, somewhere India will have an eye on that too.

“I don’t think giving one match to Rajat Patidar will do much. Maybe in another fresh series, an extended chance would be better.”

India has decided to bowl first in the third ODI against South Africa.