It's a two-way communication between Dravid and me, as it should be: Dhawan

Shikhar Dhawan has been a top performer for India in One-Day Internationals (ODI) over the last two years. Dhawan has scored 975 runs in ODIs since 2020, the most by any Indian batter during this period, well ahead of KL Rahul who is in second place with 745 runs.

He has led India in ODIs many times over the last year or so and most recently it was in the Caribbean, where he led his country to a 3-0 whitewash.  Dhawan believes that two-way communication between captain and coach is of utmost importance and that's the sort of relationship he shares with Rahul Dravid.

"It's always a two-way street between captain and coach, and same is the case between me and Rahul bhai. Whatever decision is taken is a collective one," Dhawan said in a chat with PTI.

"In meetings, every individual is given the freedom to express his opinion and once we get multiple opinions, we come together and decide what's best. In this way, you empower people to think and at the same time decide what's best for the team," he reasoned.

Dhawan, who is closing in on his 37th birthday, says that he does not mind playing just one format for India and is instead thankful that he continues to get a chance to represent his country.

"I am a calm, mature person. The performance is a reflection of my experience," Dhawan said when he was reminded of his phenomenal numbers.

"My basics have been pretty strong and I have put in a lot of work to improve my technique. Understanding a format is also very important. I understand the dynamics of ODI format and that has helped me a lot," he added when probed further.

So what is the process to remain consistent in ODIs at a time when bilateral T20Is are gaining precedence? Besides, there is also a considerable gap between the two 50-over series?

"I never let this feeling creep into my system that "Oh God, I am playing only one format or I am playing an ODI series after a long time. Will my body respond well to the rigours of international cricket or will it not? Frankly speaking, I don't like entertaining these thoughts," the senior opener gave a peek into his thought process.

"I view it like this. If I am playing a format after a gap of two months or three months, it always gives me a chance to remain fresh and come into battle fully fit, and with enough time to work on my game."

For Dhawan, it is important to value what he has rather than cribbing about what he doesn't.

"I am always counting my blessings and if I am playing one format for India, I should try and make the most of it and give it my all. I am a very positive person. You won't find a negative bone in my body," he smiled.

Dhawan feels that fitness-wise, he is getting better with age.

"I think now, at 36, I am fitter than ever before and also skill-wise, I have gotten better. Gym sessions, skill sessions, running and yoga, these four things are core aspects of my training," he added.

Of late, Dhawan hasn't played red-ball cricket at first-class level and does get a lot of time apart from the IPL, where he is able to work on his game, something that has really helped him.

"When I am not playing matches, I train at my own academy in Gurgaon. I mostly do my net sessions there. I try and hire some quality net bowlers. Also in and around Gurgaon, you have some good facilities and a lot of net bowlers who are ready to come and bowl to you," the southpaw said.

As a leader, he says he steps in only when Plan A is not working. 

"As a leader, my first instinct is to go with a bowler's plan. I ask them what's the plan and what exactly would they want in the fielding set-up. At the highest level, everyone is a hardcore professional, who are there because they know their job well," Dhawan said.

He comes into the picture, with his plan B, only when the bowlers have failed to execute their plans. "But yes, if their plan doesn't work, obviously there needs to be a Plan 'B' and me coming into the picture.

"If a bowler is hit for a few boundaries, he is bound to be under pressure and that's the time the captain needs to put an arm around his shoulder.

"But then also politely nudge him that 'listen your plan isn't working, so why don't you try my plan for a change?'"

A captain only grows into a role with time as one understands the core principles of man management, so very necessary at the elite level. "As a leader, when you start interacting with players, after a passage of time, you get a fair idea of how they react to situations.

"No two players are the same and the way you handle each of them will also be different -- with some you need to be slightly lenient, with some you need to be a bit more

pushy. That's the beauty of a leader. You have to give them love and extract the best out of them."

While he understands that he is more of a stand-in captain, Dhawan does communicate with his opening partner and regular skipper, Rohit Sharma, when the latter takes a break.

"Obviously, I speak to Rohit as he is the main leader. So when it comes to continuity, you need to discuss and consult with him. Team's vision is paramount for all of us."

Dhawan says his philosophy of patience and remaining positive has helped him achieve his goals in the game.

"I have been a balanced person all my life. If you look at my career, I played the U-19 World Cup in 2004 where I was the highest scorer. But then, I had to wait for nine years before I made my Test debut (2013, Mohali)," Dhawan recollected his years of wait despite being a heavy scorer in domestic cricket.

"From junior India to Test cap, it took me almost a decade and it couldn't have happened if I wouldn't have been patient and remained positive."

(With inputs from PTI)