Shikhar Dhawan Defends Rohit Sharma's Poor Form on the Eve of Third ODI Against South Africa

Cape Town, Feb. 07: World's only three-time double ton scorer Rohit Sharma is not at his best in the ongoing six-match ODI series against South Africa, but his opening partner Shikhar Dhawan believes that Sharma needs just one good knock to get in the groove.

"I feel Rohit is playing well, looking at the way he is timing the ball. Even in the last match, he was playing really good. Unfortunately, he got out, but I don't feel concerned about his batting at all," Dhawan said on the eve of the third ODI against South Africa on Wednesday.

Sharma has scored just 35 runs in the two ODIs, which India has won without any fuss, but Dhawan feels there is nothing wrong with the right-handed batsman's form. "He has performed so well right from the Champions Trophy, till now. Sometimes it does happen that you don't score runs. But what matters the most is how he is timing the ball," Dhawan said. He added, "There is no problem at all with his form. I think he just needs one good inning to solve all problems."

India is currently leading the series 2-0 with huge contribution coming from the wrist-spin duo of Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal. The two have proved to be a lethal combo in the series so far by claiming 13 wickets in the two matches. Match Preview: Virat Kohli-led Men In Blue Eye A Hat-Trick of Wins Against Hapless Proteas!

Appreciating their efforts, Dhawan said, "It is difficult to play wrist-spinners because they have the ability to turn the ball on flat tracks as well." "And when the ball starts to turn, foreign players find it really difficult, because they are not used to playing such kind of turn. That can create a doubt in batsman's mind. That is why they are really effective," he added.