Opening with Shikhar Dhawan for Delhi Capitals made our bond stronger: Prithvi Shaw

Colombo: India opener Prithvi Shaw has said that his bond with Shikhar Dhawan became stronger when they started to open the innings together for Delhi Capitals in the Indian Premier League.

Dhawan, who is leading the Indian cricket team in their limited overs tour of Sri Lanka, opened the innings with Shaw in the first ODI, which India won by 7 wickets on Sunday.

Shaw and Dhawan added 58 runs for the opening wicket in just 5.3 overs. While Shaw was dismissed on 43, Dhawan played a captain's knock and remained unbeaten on 86 off 95 balls.

"Shikhar Dhawan and I open together for Delhi Capitals. Although we were good friends before Delhi Capitals, but opening together has made our bond stronger. Off the field, we used to spend a lot of time together, whether it was having dinner together or chilling in his room," said Shaw on Star Sports' show 'Follow The Blues'.

"We used to talk a lot and our bond was visible on the wicket (during the game). Whether it was off the field or between the overs, we used to talk a lot. I thoroughly enjoy practicing with him,' he added.

It was only Shaw's fourth ODI and 43 is his highest score in the format. The batsman mentioned that since he has got the opportunity to play for India after a long time, he wants to grab it with both hands.

'When I play for India or any other team, I always put the team forward. So, obviously, I want to go there and win the series for India. If you ask me personally, I want to grab this opportunity, because I have got an opportunity after a long time,' Shaw said. (UNI)