Legendary former cricketers such as Rahul Dravid and Brian Lara have lavished praise on young Indian opener Shikhar Dhawan, who notched up the fastest-ever Test ton on debut in the third Test against Australia in Mohali.
Dhawan created history by scoring an unbeaten on a 174-ball 187 in the match. He scored his hundred in only 85 balls, surpassing West Indian Dwayne Smith's debut Test ton hit in 93 balls against South Africa back in 2004. England's Matt Prior hit a century on debut against West Indies off 105 balls.
Sourav Ganguly, Dravid and Lara -- all speakers at the India Today Conclave -- hailed Dhawan as a bright prospect for the team.
"Shikhar has set the pace of the match and if India goes on to win the Mohali Test, much of the credit must go to the young lad," Ganguly said at the Conclave, while lauding the world record debut by the Delhi opener.
Dravid said the innings should set the stage for a successful Test career for the Delhi batsman.
"Shikhar must capitalise on the good start. He has a positive attitude and should do well for India," Dravid said.
Lara, on the other hand, had a word of caution for Dhawan.
"Tougher tests will come, he will have to keep his focus to do well consistently," the former West Indies Captain said.
Ganguly, Dravid, Lara ad Arjuna Ranatunga were part of the Captain's League, a special session that discussed the 'Changing Face of World Cricket'.
