'It's a wrong conclusion to draw that Indians can't play spin bowling'

September 18, 2015 21:30 IST

IMAGE: Indian Test captain Virat Kohli and Shikhar Dhawan. Photograph: PTI

Shikhar Dhawan has said that the South Africa series will be a challenging one but believed that India remained favourites to win.

"We have the team to beat South Africa. If we focus on processes, the results will automatically take care of themselves," Dhawan echoed what limited overs skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni has said all these years.

Dhawan also did not endorse the popular view that this Indian batting line-up is not capable of playing quality spin bowling. Asked if he is planning to do some homework in order to counter South African spinners Imran Tahir and Dane Piedt.

"I believe it's a wrong conclusion to draw that Indians can't play spin bowling. I can tell that I am practicing the sweep shot which I love playing. Also I plan to practice batting with roughs being created on both sides of the wicket by bowlers' footmark. These helps in preparing for turning deliveries," said Dhawan.

'I believe that competition will keep me on toes'

IMAGE: Indian opener Shikhar Dhawan exercises during a practice session. Photograph: Ashikur Rahman/Reuters

Dhawan also believes that competition between him, KL Rahul and Murali Vijay is a "healthy one".

"We have all scores runs in Sri Lanka. Pujara also played a brilliant innings. This is only going to augur well for Indian cricket. We feed off each other's success.

"I am very happy for both Rahul and Vijay and I believe that competition will keep me on toes," said Dhawan.