NEW DELHI: Opener Shikhar Dhawan has said that India are not overly worried by the massive defeat by the West Indies in the first ODI in Kochi.

Talking to reporters ahead of the second ODI at his home ground, the Feroz Shah Kotla in Delhi, he said the squad is a happy bunch and had a high morale.

“We can’t be very worried just because we lost one game. We have been doing well in the past few months, having beaten Australia after 25 years and winning a series in England after so many years. We are a happy bunch,” Dhawan said during his interaction with the media on the eve of Saturday’s game, which will be his first in India colours at the Kotla.

“It is a good feeling to be playing an ODI at the Kotla. I have been around, playing for Delhi, for a few years now but it is like a dream come true to be able to play for India before the home crowd. I am looking forward to that but that is not adding an extra pressure on me,” he said.

The left-handed opener also expected India’s premier batsman Virat Kohli to come good sooner than later.

“He is a strong character and has performed so well for so long. It is good to see him stay positive and I am sure he will score lots of runs and serve the Indian team really long,” he said, indicating that he does offer his inputs to his friend and team-mate from Delhi.

Speaking about his own batting, Dhawan said cricket has been a big learning process. “Success and failure are a part of this game. It is important to sometimes fail to be able to understand and enjoy success,” he said. “I am getting better by the day. The basics remain the same. You keep on fine-tuning your game, learning new things like how to disturb a bowler.”

He also pointed out that the Indian bowling was getting better with experience. “The manner in which (Moh­a­mmed) Shami claimed three wickets in death overs in Kochi is an indication. The bowlers are working hard and will get better,” he said.

Published in Dawn, October 11th, 2014