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Dambulla - Opening batsman Shikhar Dhawan says he has learnt from his past failures after helping India crush Sri Lanka in the first ODI in Dambulla on Sunday.
Dhawan struck a blistering unbeaten 132 off just 90 balls as India easily chased down a target of 217 with more than 20 overs to spare to take a one-nil lead in the five-match series.
The left-handed Dhawan's place in the side was questioned before the series in Sri Lanka but he has repaid the faith shown in him by the selectors with his third century in six innings on tour, including two in the Test series.
Dhawan said after the game on Sunday: "I would like to keep performing well. That would be my goal because if I don't perform there are such great batsmen in our side that anyone can take the place".
"I embrace that period also. When I was not doing well I was just focusing on my processes. And when I am doing well, I am still focusing on my processes.
"I feel failure teaches you a lot and I am lucky I have learnt so much out of that." Dhawan insists he needs to keep his form and fitness levels up as the younger players in the national side keep him on his toes.
He continued: "I would like to keep my fitness on a high level because all the young boys are there (in the Indian side). I like to keep myself fit (and be) at the pace of the game.
I don't really have too many goals that I have to score these many runs. I just focus on my process and in my process everything comes in. "My fitness, skills, fielding. These are my process and I keep doing it."
The second ODI between Sri Lanka and India takes place in Pallekele on Thursday.
