Pakistan fans’ taunts spurred Dhawan against Men in Green in 2015 World Cup

Left-hand opener Shikhar Dhawan was spurred by Pakistan fans’ taunts during India’s 76-run victory over the Men in Green in the 2015 World Cup clash at the Adelaide Oval.

While speaking in a YouTube video with Indian women cricketers Smriti Mandhana and Jemimah Rodrigues, the 34-year-old recalled how Pakistan fans’ jeers turned into cheers after his 73-run knock from 76 deliveries, which set a perfect platform for India.

“Our first World Cup game was against Pakistan and when I was walking down at the venue, Pakistan fans were shouting, ‘You will get out after scoring 15 runs.’ I was like ‘oh okay’. And then, I went on to score 73 runs and the same people clapped for me on my way to the pavilion,” recalled Dhawan.

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Dhawan also revealed that he feels an added pressure while playing against arch-rivals Pakistan, as the Indian fans expect nothing less than a victory.

“I feel pressurised against Pakistan because of the environment in the ground, that’s a whole different feeling. I still remember our game against Pakistan in 2015 World Cup in Adelaide. My form wasn’t that good during that time and I didn’t play well in Australia series before the World Cup,” he said. “For Indian fans, Team India should win against Pakistan by any means in ICC events no matter what. They taunt each other sitting in the stands.”