 He failed to make an impression playing for India A in a four-day match against New Zealand A in September as he scored 27 and 7.Dhawan returned to form in the 2008–09 Ranji season with 415 runs at an average over 69, but had an indifferent run in the Vijay Hazare Trophy in February 2009 with an average of 18.80 in six innings.Dhawan played for India Red in the Challenger Trophy in October 2009.