IND vs WI LIVE – ODI World Cup 2023: Reduced to just a single format player, Shikhar Dhawan hasn’t played much cricket of late. That translated into his struggles in England. While he returned to form with a fine 97-run knock, his approach has already become a point of debate. Regular captain Rohit Sharma wants the team to play aggressive brand while Dhawan likes to hold and anchor. It hasn’t gone unnoticed. Selectors will speak to Dhawan on his future plans after the West Indies series with World Cup 2023 in mind. Follow India vs WestIndies LIVE Updates on InsideSport.IN.
“There is no problem between Shikhar and Rohit. It’s just that both have different ideas. It is not a bad thing. But yes, we will have a sit down with Shikhar probably after Zimbabwe tour on understanding his future plans. If he needs to change his batting approach, Vikram and Rahul are there to talk to him. We won’t interfere,” a member of the selection committee told InsideSport.
IND vs WI LIVE: Selectors likely to speak to Shikhar Dhawan on FUTURE plans as CONFLICT of playing style grows: CHECK WHY?
IND vs WI LIVE: Selectors likely to speak to Shikhar Dhawan on FUTURE plans as CONFLICT of playing style grows: CHECK WHY?
While Rohit called the ODI format an extension of T20 cricket, Dhawan had other ideas.
What did Rohit Sharma say? For us, the aim is to understand white-ball cricket, how to play, new guys are playing. 50 over is an extension of T20. Maybe you take less risk in ODIs as compared to T20 cricket but you have to take it.
What Shikhar Dhawan said? I have full confidence in myself that what my game is and I have clarity on that and I stay quite calm. And this is part of life, this happens in life, everyone’s life has ups and downs, so it is nothing new and happening for the first time or for the last time in my career or my life, so it is alright, that only makes me stronger.
“I don’t feel odd, I have heard it for 10 years. People keep talking, I keep performing. If I listened to them, I wouldn’t be here. I have the experience, so I’m not too worried. As long as I self-analyse and improve, nothing else matters,” Dhawan said in his pre-match press conference.
IND vs WI LIVE: Why Shikhar Dhawan’s batting approach is causing concerns?
- It is a clash between two ideas. Rohit declared that players have to get quick starts to take advantage of the powerplay.
- Shikhar hasn’t yet got a quick start. Instead, he has played a lot of balls before finding his rhythm, a classic approach to ODIs.
- What complicates things for Dhawan is the competition. Apart from KL Rahul, there are Ishan Kishan and Shubman Gill besides Ruturaj Gaikwad fighting for the opening slot.
- All the three youngsters have followed Rohit’s template perfectly, scoring at a brisk rate.
- In the last 12 months, Shikhar Dhawan’s strike rate has dropped to 76.03.
- Shubman Gill has a strike rate of 104.9 while Rohit has 107.54 and Ishan has a strike rate of 107.31.
- Prithvi Shaw, although out of scheme, also maintains a strike rate of 113.85.
- It puts Dhawan’s old-school style of batting in little bit of spotlight.
- If his strike rate does not improve in the coming days, the team management may look at other options including KL Rahul.
- To address that difference, selectors is likely to sit with Dhawan and discuss the plans.
IND vs WI LIVE: Selectors likely to speak to Shikhar Dhawan on FUTURE plans as CONFLICT of playing style grows: CHECK WHY?
IND vs WI LIVE: Selectors likely to speak to Shikhar Dhawan on FUTURE plans as CONFLICT of playing style grows: CHECK WHY?
While Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma have enjoyed some great opening stands over the years, it’s the approach that is not in sync. Dhawan has been very slow to start with while Rohit is quick off the blocks. The Indian captain has managed to instill that in the current crop like Ishan Kishan and Shubman Gill who are backup opening options. KL Rahul too has struggled to go quickly off the blocks but he has age on his side.
Talent wins game but teamwork and intelligence wins championship! 🙌 Kudos to team for the amazing face-off! 😍👏 #IndvsWI pic.twitter.com/jMZOjWiTN6
— Shikhar Dhawan (@SDhawan25) July 25, 2022
Dhawan doesn’t have age on his side though. He is 36 and by the time of World Cup 2023, he will be close to 38. While it is expected that he will call it a day after the World Cup, the growing difference in ideas could be a problem. It is especially when Dhawan only plays ODIs.
“There is no reason to panic. Shikhar is doing just fine. Yes, the demand of the game is now such that you will have to be quick off the blocks. With KL, Shubman and Ishan around, he will need to understand that demand. I am sure, he will do just fine,” the selector said.
IND vs WI LIVE: Selectors likely to speak to Shikhar Dhawan on FUTURE plans as CONFLICT of playing style grows: CHECK WHY?
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