Virat Kohli and Anil Kumble's backing gave me lot of confidence: Shikhar Dhawan

North Sound (Antigua), July 22: India opener Shikhar Dhawan is grateful to captain Virat Kohli and head coach Anil Kumble who backed him and gave confidence to perform well in the first Test against West Indies.

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Ahead of the 1st Test, Kohli had supported the "dominating" Dhawan over the "solid" KL Rahul to partner Murali Vijay at the top of the order. Dhawan did not let his skipper down as he hit 84 (147 balls, 9x4, 1x6) on the opening day.

When the left-hander was asked about Kohli's support for him, Dhawan said it gave me a lot of confidence and belief. (Hope Kohli scores triple ton: Dhawan)

"I feel it is very important for any player that captain or a coach is backing you. It gives a lot of confidence and belief. The backing you get matters. And you need to have self-belief that you can do it," Dhawan said after the close of play on the first day yesterday (July 21).

After a slow start, 30-year-old Dhawan blossomed in the middle in the company of Kohli, who struck an unbeaten 143. The Delhi duo had a century partnership for the 3rd wicket. India ended day one at 302/4.

Dhawan admitted that he was disappointed to have missed out on a hundred. "I felt sad, disappointed that I got out, especially when I was set and scoring runs. I had spent enough of time in the middle. But at the same time I am happy that I started off on a good note and I would like to carry on my good performance in the coming matches," he said.

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