There is a category of batsmen in modern cricket called ‘impact batsmen’. It’s not the number of runs they score but the manner in which they get them that has an impact on the match. Virender Sehwag is an impact batsman. Adam Gilchrist was and so was Matthew Hayden. Among the ones currently ruling the international roost, Shikhar Dhawan is definitely an impact player. If he spends 10-15 overs at the crease, he will have set the match up for his team and demoralized the opponents. But these players – these beautifully unpredictable creatures – have a propensity to surprise one and all. To the unsuspecting world that is used to expecting audacity from them, they throw in a splash of serenity to. That’s what Shikhar Dhawan did batting for Sunrisers Hyderabad against Royal Challengers Bangalore at Bengaluru on Monday. Opening the batting with another impact batsman, David Warner, Dhawan watched patiently as his partner went berserk on the RCB bowlers in the first six overs. When Warner raced to his 50 off 23 balls, Dhawan was on unhurried 17 off 15 balls. When Warner got out after setting the perfect platform for SRH’s chase, Dhawan knew all he had to do was stay till the end and accumulate rather than blast runs. With KL Rahul he stitched an unbeaten 78-run partnership for the third wicket and saw the team through. Dhawan finished with 50 not out off 42 balls – an innings very unlike of the explosive left-hander but one that was crucial to SRH’s win. After seeing his team through to an eight-wicket win, Dhawan shared his approach in the innings in a chat with iplt20.com and lavished praise on the bowlers who dismissed the incredibly strong RCB batting for 166. First win of the season, away from home and that too in the fortress of a strong team like RCB. Big win, this? Definitely, a very big win. After the way the first game panned out for us (46-run loss in Chennai) this win has boosted our morale and confidence a great deal. I was very impressed with the way our bowlers bowled. Getting 10 wickets is no small deal, especially against a batting lineup like this. Our bowlers pulled things back wonderfully after the 15th over. They deserve all the credit. How is it opening the batting with David Warner? It is very impactful to bat with someone like him. When boundaries are flowing from both ends, the opponent’s morale goes down in the beginning itself. Although we haven’t opened together for a whole lot of matches, we share a good understanding. For instance, in the last match when I was scoring quickly, he played the support role. Today when he went hammer and tongs, I supported him. We balance each other out well. Your knock today was very out of character. Initially you played second fiddle to Warner and then batting with KL Rahul, you ensured the team didn’t lose another wicket. How difficult is it for you to curb your instincts and play a knock like this? It is difficult. I am an aggressive player and resisting the temptation to play my shots is tough for me. But that’s the battle you have to win over your own mind. I reminded myself that I have a job at hand and that requires me to bat in a certain way. When Warner and (Kane) Williamson got out in a two-over span and Rahul came in, the need of the hour was to build a partnership because one more wicket could have put too much pressure on us. Even if I am feeling confident that I can hit a particular bowler, I have to refrain from doing so. It gives me immense satisfaction to know that I have the ability to stay disciplined and play according to the situation. My aim was to bat 20 overs and see the team home. Opening stands are very crucial for every team. But is it more so for Sunrisers given your middle-order is a bit inexperienced? Yes, the solidity and strength of our batting lies with David and me. However, I won’t discount the guys who bat after us. Naman Ojha is a very good hitter of the ball and Rahul has shown how mature he is. Williamson again is a mature, exciting young player and Bopara can hit in the lower-order. We have just played two matches so far and it takes time to get a team’s rhythm going. I believe we are getting there. Today our strength in both batting and bowling was visible. It shows that we are a well-balanced side.