It seems the end of road for India’s veteran opener Shikhar Dhawan. The 37-year-old, who has been a prolific run-scorer for India in limited-overs cricket, has been left out of the World Cup 2023 plans. Chief selector, Ajit Agarkar, confirmed that Dhawan is not among the top three choices for the opening slot.
“Shikhar Dhawan has been terrific for India, but currently Rohit Sharma, Gill and Kishan are our three preferred openers,” Agarkar said in a press conference while announcing the Asia Cup 2023 squad.
Dhawan, who made his international debut in 2010, has scored 6793 runs in 167 ODIs at an average of 44.11 with 17 centuries and 39 half-centuries. He is among India’s top performers at ICC events, having won the Player of the Tournament award in the 2013 Champions Trophy and scoring two centuries in the 2015 World Cup.
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However, Dhawan’s age and the emergence of young openers has put him out of India’s plans. He last played an ODI for India in December 2022 against Bangladesh, where he scored only 17 runs. With Shubman Gill, Ishan Kishan, and Yashasvi Jaiswal already fighting for opening spot, Dhawan’s inclusion looks a distant dream.
Dhawan was also not included in the Asian Games 2023 squad, which will be led by young Ruturaj Gaikwad. The veteran opener expressed his disappointment and shock at his exclusion from the continental event.
“When my name was not there (for the Asian Games), I was a bit shocked. But, then, I was like they have a different thought process, you just have to accept it. Happy that Rutu (Gaikwad) will lead the side. All the young boys are there, I am sure they will do well, Dhawan told PTI.
“I will be ready for comeback”
However, the 37-year-old still expressed hope for a comeback and said that he will be ready for comeback.
“I will be ready, of course (for the comeback). That is why I keep myself fit (so whenever I get a chance I am ready). There is always a chance whether it is one percent or 20 percent. I still enjoy training and I still enjoy the game, these are the things in my control. Whatever decision is made, I respect that,” Dhawan remarked.
But with Asian Games, Asia Cup 2023 and potential World Cup 2023 snub, it seems it is the end of Dhawan in international cricket.
Team India squad for Asia Cup 2023: Rohit Sharma (C), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Ishan Kishan, Hardik Pandya (VC), Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Md Shami, Md Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Sanju Samson (Backup)
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