Debasis Sen, Delhi: Local boy Shikhar Dhawan on Tuesday said the air pollution in the capital was not a major issue but admitted that the Sri Lankans may have been troubled by the poor air quality.
“We have so many players who are not from Delhi. But we as a group have a job on our hand. Of course there is high pollution in Delhi. (But) it is our responsibility to play and focus on cricket,” said the left-handed batsman who belongs to Delhi.
The Indian opener celebrated his 32nd birthday in style by notching up his fifth half century in tests against Sri Lanka on Tuesday at Feroz Shah Kotla. All the members of the Indian team celebrated Dhawan’s birthday in the dressing room after the fourth day’s play here at Kotla. The left hander also completed his 8000 runs in first class matches.
Yesterday India pacer expressed his dissatisfaction about the wicket here at Kotla, which are nowhere near the wickets in South Africa. Dhawan also shared a similar feeling.
“We had planned that (bouncy wicket) we will have wickets like the one in Kolkata where the pitch was a bit damp first up. But every wicket has its own nature, different soil component. The soil component determines the bounce. Like if you check Dharamsala, there aren’t too many bouncy wickets up north,” said Dhawan after the fourth days play here.
There was some concerns with Md. Shami after the pacer was seen vomiting on the ground today. Dhawan cleared all the speculations, saying the Bengal pacer will take the field tomorrow.
“Shami is fine. You will see him in action tomorrow,” said Dhawan.
Talking about the situation the hosts find themselves in after Day 4, Dhawan said, “We will try our best to go for the win tomorrow. Pressure is on them.”