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VVS Laxman: Shikhar Dhawan, Rohit Sharma right players to open for India in ICC Champions Trophy 2017

VVS Laxman on Saturday backed Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma as the right candidates to open the batting for India in ICC Champions Trophy 2017.

Rohit Sharma (left) and Shikhar Dhawan opened for India in ICC Champions Trophy 2013 © IANS (File Photo)
Rohit Sharma (left) and Shikhar Dhawan opened for India in ICC Champions Trophy 2013 © IANS (File Photo)

With ICC Champions Trophy 2017 just a month and half away, VVS Laxman backed Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma as the right candidates to open batting for India in the tournament to be held in England. Laxman has been highly impressed with Dhawan’s return in form in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2017 for defending champions Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), of whom Laxman is also the mentor. Laxman feels that not only should Dhawan be a regular member of the Indian squad for the Champions Trophy, but should be considered for opening along with Rohit, as they did in 2013, leading to their title victory.

“I think it is great to see Shikhar batting the way he is. He looks in very good rhythm. Also he is in good space of mind. And I am sure the way he is batting, he will win more and more matches for the franchise. I am hoping that he will get a place in the Champions Trophy. I believe Shikhar and Rohit are the right players to open in England,” said Laxman in an exclusive interview with ANI. “I am very pleased with the way Shikhar is batting and I just want him to enjoy and play with a lot of freedom because he is a match winner and an impact player.”.

Speaking on India’s chances of retaining the trophy, they won back in 2013, he said: “I believe India have got a very good chance in the Champions Trophy. But whether it is T20 or 50-over format, whichever team performs well on that day, they win the game. I believe at this moment I can chose the four semi-finalists and India will be one among them. I believe India will go into the tournament with a lot of confidence because most of the players have been playing in the IPL and they are match fit. So, I believe India has got a very good chance to win the Champions Trophy,” he concluded.

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