Shikhar Dhawan is the second-highest run-scorer in the IPL. The opener has slammed 6205 runs at a strike rate of 126.37 with 47 fifties and two hundreds. This year he leads Punjab Kings‘ charts with 421 runs in 13 games. 

However, Dhawan last played an international T20 game in July 2021 when he led India against Sri Lanka. The left-handed opener was not a part of the 2021 World Cup. 

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As India face South Africa on road to prepare for the T20 World Cup 2022 in Australia later this year, Dhawan eyes a comeback in the shortest format. 

“Though I remain an integral part of the team, I still feel that I can contribute in the shortest format because of my experience. I have been quite doing well in the T20 format. Whatever role I have been given I have done well,” Dhawan told PTI.

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The 36-year-old has scored more than 500 runs in  in 2012, 2016, 2019, 2020 and 2021 IPL seasons. 

“I have managed to stay consistent in the formats that I am playing, whether it is the IPL or at the domestic level and I am enjoying it. Consistency is not only about scoring fifties or hundreds frequently, but also about maintaining even gaps between such scores,” he added.

Shikhar Dhawan said that leading India against Sri Lanka was a dream come true. 

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“Yes, I am a very positive person. It was a dream come true for me leading the team last year. For the T20 World Cup, they thought the (chosen) players were better than me and fair enough. Whatever decision selectors make, I respect that. That happens in life. You accept it and keep doing your job. I only focus on what is in my control and try to make the most of the opportunities that I get,” he said.

BCCI will soon announce the squad for the T20 series against South Africa, which begins on June 9.