Barinder Sran a good prospect for India: Shikhar Dhawan

Following a thumping 74-run victory over Western Australia XI in the first warm-up fixture in Perth on Saturday (January 8), Shikhar Dhawan, the Indian opener, has praised Barinder Singh Sran, the rookie pacer, stating that the left-armer looks like a 'good prospect for India'. Sran, who has 32 wickets in 11 first class matches for Punjab, claimed figures of 2 for 24 on Saturday."It was a great boost for Beri, actually I call him by that name. It always nice to get two wickets (2-24). With time, he will get more mature as he gains experience. He is fit and strong. He looks to be a good prospect for India," Dhawan told reporters.After MS Dhoni opted to bat first in the T20, Dhawan showed signs of his old self, smashing three sixes and eight fours in his 46-ball knock of 74. Dhawan also put on a 100-run stand with Virat Kohli, who smashed a 44-ball essay of 74. The left-handed opener, who has had a topsy-turvy 2015 with respect to his batting form, was delighted with the way he has begun Down Under.

"I am happy that I scored runs in a practise match. It gives me confidence. I got used to the pitch. The more time that I spend at the wicket in the coming days, better it will be for me. It was good to get into groove and get a 100-run partnership before main match. We got what was needed from the practice match." India have returned to Australia, just 10 months after a full-fledged tour that included four Tests and a tri-nation One-Day International (ODI) series involving England. A lot has changed since Dhoni & Co. looked listless in the tri-series and then turned their form around in the World Cup, but Dhawan insists that the team's attitude and mindset have remained the same."If you ask me about what changed from last time, I would say some players have changed.But the attitude is still the same as there can't be much change on that aspect. Because at international level, one needs to maintain a certain degree of hard work. We will be aggressive and play with a positive mindset."
"We are pumped up and well prepared for this tour. We are covering all areas in regards to fitness and skill work. We have just got to work hard, keep calm and focus.We will try to achieve the goals given by support staff," Dhawan added.India kick-start their five-match ODI series in Perth on Tuesday (January 12).