[EXCLUSIVE] Ranveer Singh or Akshay Kumar? Cricketer Shikhar Dhawan reveals who he thinks matches his persona

In an exclusive interaction with Times Now Digital, Team India opener and Delhi Capitals superstar Shikhar Dhawan spoke at length about his love for Bollywood and named an actor who can match his persona.

Key Highlights

• Team India star Shikhar Dhawan is one of the finest batsmen in white-ball cricket

• Speaking to Times Now Digital, Shikhar has named a Bollywood actor who can match his persona

• The Delhi Capitals superstar is also gearing up for the upcoming edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL)

Nicknamed Gabbar, Team India superstar Shikhar Dhawan is known for his retro handlebar moustache and his ability to pile up runs by the barrel in white-ball cricket. Regarded as one of the finest left-handed batsmen in the gentlemen's game, Shikhar is clearing the decks to ply his trade in the upcoming edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL 2020) with Delhi Capitals (DC).  

In an exclusive interaction with Times Now Digital, the Team India opener and Delhi Capitals superstar talked about his love for Bollywood, spilled the beans on his mantra of being the livewire, and also took part in a rapid-fire Q & A session. Shikhar, who has formed a scintillating opening pair with vice-captain Rohit Sharma, is hailed as the man for the big occasion. 

The Indian southpaw has always hit a purple patch in International Cricket Council (ICC) tournaments for the Men In Blue. Shikhar was on a roll in the 2019 World Cup before an unfortunate thumb injury cut short his spell with the Virat Kohli-led side. 

Despite having a series of freak injuries, Shikhar managed to bounce back in no time and now, the Indian southpaw is looking forward to spearheading Delhi Capitals and Team India. Speaking to Times Now Digital, Shikhar opened up about keeping up a positive mindset as an individual in order to overcome the tumultuous time.  

"The way we (athletes) work on our physical aspect or on our skillset, That's how (the same way) I work on my emotional strength as well. And as you said, yeah I’m a spiritual person. And I’ve learned the art of thinking, what to think, what to not think, what to listen, who to not listen and that works in that energy (the one I’m creating) and I believe in my energy. Your energy always gonna go first and then the physical thing. So yes, that’s how I keep myself positive. I always take high energy thoughts. Even if I’m going (for the first time) I already know that I’m playing good when I’m getting back into any side. And then I turn that (thoughts) into reality," Shikhar said. 

(Photo: IANS)

The recent events in the entertainment industry have sparked debates on mental health and depression. When asked about Gabbar's secret of being a cool, calm, and collected customer both on and off the field, Shikhar said that he enjoys responding to things rather than reacting. 

"I never let the situation dominate me, I make sure that I dominate the situation. I enjoyed responding to things rather than reacting. And I feel that there’s great strength in being calm and telling yourself that you can stand strong in a royal manner. Thinking in a royal way (Not walking in a royal manner and all that) but thinking in a royal manner matters to me a lot. And I keep working on it, I keep refining (myself)," Shikhar said.    

Talking about cricket and Bollywood, Shikhar was one of the first cricketers to wish actor Ranveer Singh on the latter's birthday. As Ranveer is gearing up for his sports drama, 83, in which he will essay the legendary Kapil Dev, we asked Shikhar to pick cricketers (from the current batch) on whom a biopic should be made. Although Shikhar was quick to name Virat and Rohit, the Indian opener also opined that each player has his own story which is special in its own way!

(Photos: Shikhar Dhawan/ Instagram)

Talking about Shikhar's infectious energy, we also quizzed Gabbar to pick any Bollywood superstar that can match his persona. "I would say Akshay Kumar!," Shikhar chuckled. The DC star shared a heart-warming post to wish Akshay on his special day last week. 

Rapid Fire session with Gabbar

1) Favourite overseas destination that you would like to visit first post-pandemic?  

I would say West Indies, beaches! 

2) Bollywood actor whose films you always look forward to?   

As such koi ek nahi hai bade sare hain (Not one, there are many) ! …… Akshay Kumar, Salman Khan, Aamir Khan, Amitabh Bachchan Saab (Sir). So many good actors are there. Even Ayushmann Khurrana. Merko bhot achcha lagta hai (I like Ayushmann a lot).  

3) Home-made dish or exquisite delicacy you like the most? (Follow up: What’s your cheat meal) 

Aloo Parontha uskey upar Makhhan sath mein acchaar! (Aloo Parantha with pickle and butter)

4) Actor who can do a Shikhar Dhawan biopic?  

Not anyone I can think of at the moment.  

5) If not a cricketer, Dhawan would be…     

Businessman! Agar nahi hota to bhi pata nahi cricketer hi hota shayad. Kuch nahi bhi hota toh bhi cricketer hi hota! (Would've been a cricketer anyway, Laughs).