Mid-Day

“Sachin paaji told me ‘we have known you as a very gutsy player in domestic cricket. Now, we hope to see you as a gutsy player in international cricket. So, show us some guts’,” revealed the 27-year-old batsman after slamming the fastest Test debut ton on Saturday. 

Dhawan made a mockery of the Australian attack, slamming 185 off just 168 deliveries to help India provide a strong reply to Australia’s first innings total of 408. The hosts finished the third day at 283 for no loss with Murali Vijay

batting on 83. Dhawan, who looked at ease during his mesmerising knock, said he was nervous while approaching the milestone. “I was really nervous as I approached my fifty and century,” Dhawan told reporters.

“I have been working hard since I was dropped from the Indian team. I have changed, I was waiting for a chance. I am happy that I grabbed it with both hands. I am feeling good. It’s a dream to score runs on debut.”