XtraTime Web Desk: Indian cricket team’s star opener Shikhar Dhawan on Thursday said that the defending champions won’t take Bangladesh lightly and there will be a tight fight between the two in the final.
“We cannot take Bangladesh lightly and they are a tough team to beat. They are a very balanced side and they have been very consistent. They have got experienced players in the side and I feel they don’t have anymore the fear of playing big teams,” said Dhawan at the pre-match press-conference today.
“Every individual player has his own game plan and the conditions will be more or less the same. We will watch their batsmen’s videos and our bowlers will be well prepared for the final,” he added.
Both the Indian openers are in supreme form as they have given fine starts to the Men in Blue and scored centuries as well.
When asked if the opening pair has an added responsibility in the absence of regular skipper Virat Kohli, Dhawan said, “There’s nothing called extra responsibility. We have been batting well and I am happy that we are consistently giving India good starts.”
Dhawan is the vice-captain of the team in the ongoing Asia Cup and after that he has scored 127, 46, 40 and 114 On being asked whether it has added more pressure on him, Dhawan said, “There is no pressure of being the vice-captain and I am happy I am able to score runs for my team. The conditions are tough but I trained well before the tournament and I am enjoying my performance. I hope to carry on with my performance and hope to get a good score tomorrow.”
There were predictions that India will meet Pakistan in the final of the Asia Cup before Bangladesh caused an upset to book a final date with the defending champion.
When asked if the Indian camp was relieved not to face Pakistan in the final, Dhawan said, “We are going to carry on with our momentum and we will give our best shot. Everyone thought it would be an India-Pakistan final but Bangladesh won a great game against Pakistan. We are well prepared.”