India can do well in SA, says Dhawan

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In-form opening batsman Shikhar Dhawan on Tuesday asserted that the players “were getting ready“ for the crucial tour of South Africa in November.
“The Indian team can do well in South Africa,“ said Dhawan at an event here on Tuesday. “The important thing is how we prepare. We are getting ready for the tour and are high on confidence.
“We are a young and strong side. The fact are we have been doing well as a team in tournaments on foreign soil makes us more positive. And we are confident of doing well.“
Dhawan, as part of the India A squad in South Africa recently, smashed 248 off 150 balls against South Africa A, missing out on the world record for List A matches by just 20 runs.
The opening batsman said the experience helped him understand local conditions better.
“When you play on foreign pitches, you get used to their conditions. In South Africa, there is bounce and pace. I also got to know the conditions like wind speed, etc. So I think that will definitely help me,” he said.
BCCI’s decision to truncate India’s tour to South Africa has raised may ques
tions, but Dhawan said it was not in his hands.
“That’s BCCI’s call. At the end of the day, my job is to play cricket and as long as I am playing against any opposition I am happy,” he said.
About his own batting, Dhawan said he had matured as a cricketer over the years and was mentally stronger now.
“I was technically sound even three years back but in the last one year I have become mentally strong and have worked on my shot selection, which is much better now.I have matured as a batsman. I am very happy that I have become more consistent,” the 27-year-old said.
I got more hungry for runs. I realised that I have the ability to play at the highest level and started to work harder,“ Dhawan added.