India’s stand-in captain Shikhar Dhawan has revealed he feels a lot fresher and stronger as he is playing only one format of the game. Dhawan now only plays the ODI format of the game and feels it helps him stay more focused.

The left-hander has been a consistent performer for the Indian team in the 50-overs format and he has fill in as a leader for Rohit Sharma whenever the full-time captain has been rested.

Dhawan has all the experience under his belt and he has shifted his focus to the ODI World Cup next year. The southpaw wants to stay fit and deliver the goods for the team.

Speaking at the pre-match press conference, “I get more off time and am able to stay fresher and stronger. When I was playing all the formats, it was a lot of cricket. I make sure that I keep myself in that groove. When I enter the team, I make sure that I keep up with the pace of the team, otherwise, I will be left behind.”

Dhawan feels New Zealand has a fine pace attack and it is going to be challenging for the visitors. The Kiwis have bowlers like Matt Henry, Tim Southee, and Lockie Ferguson who can trouble the Indian batters.

“They have been a good side, a consistent one. They have got a great pace attack and we look forward to taking that challenge in these conditions and batting well. Boys did well in T20Is and we want to carry that momentum in ODIs.”

Meanwhile, India has a lot of depth in their squad and it is not easy for the management to give consistent opportunities to the young players. Dhawan added that it is important to communicate the right message to these players as a captain.

“It is great for the team because it has so many great players. Communication on part of the coach and captain is the key in such a situation. Players get clarity that why they are not being played. When such transparency is there, players understand that this is all for a bigger interest, the interest of the team.”

India will face New Zealand in the first ODI at Eden Park, Auckland on Friday.