Batsmen finding tough to score after new ODI rules?

He might be relishing the role of an opener but Indian batsman Shikhar Dhawan says scoring runs has not been easy in one-dayers ever since the introduction of new rules.

Dhawan has been in terrific form for India after being drafted into the side following Virender Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir's prolonged lean patch.

Dhawan scored a career-best 116 to guide India to their second consecutive win against Zimbabwe.

"It's more difficult nowadays because you've got new balls from both ends. When the ball is swinging you really need to play close to your body.

"You'll see that in the first 10 overs, openers are not scoring that many nowadays because the ball is new and it swings a lot and you have to be more careful," Dhawan said.

The Delhi left-hander said one has to be smart with shots at the start of the innings.

"Shot selection is very important, because you don't want to lose wickets at the start and put pressure on the rest of the side," he said.

Dhawan said there is a united dressing room and that has helped on-field success as well. India won the Champions Trophy in England and then a tri-series in the West Indies.

"Our team is gelling really nicely. All the young boys are very fit and really good in the field. Fielding-wise, we have really improved a lot. I feel like everything is working our way," he said.