Shikhar Dhawan was a "bit shocked" at his non-selection for India's Asian Games 2023 squad but remains determined to make a national comeback in the near future
Shikhar Dhawan (Pic: AFP)
Senior India batter Shikhar Dhawan was a "bit shocked" at his non-selection for India's Asian Games 2023 squad but remains determined to make a national comeback in the near future.
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The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) named a 20-member squad dominated by youngsters for Hangzhou Asian Games in September-October, with the first-choice players busy with preparation for the ODI World Cup at home.
The 37-year-old left-hander was tipped to lead the second-string India team in China, a role he performed until 10 months ago, but the selectors did not pick him and named Ruturaj Gaikwad as captain.
"When my name was not there (for 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 on Thursday.
With Shubman Gill joining Rohit Sharma at the top, it seems the Indian team has moved on from Dhawan, who had become a one-format player until he was dropped from the ODI side following the Bangladesh tour in December 2022.
The ever-optimistic Dhawan, who has been among India's leading ODI batters over the past decade, said he can't foresee what is in store for him but will be ready if an opportunity comes his way.
"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," said the southpaw who remains a centrally-contracted cricketer and spends a lot of time at the National Cricket Academy.
Also Read: 2023 Asian Games: Full list of qualified Indian athletes at the quadrennial event
If the India comeback doesn't happen, Dhawan has an IPL trophy to win for Punjab Kings. He also expressed his keenness to play in some domestic tournaments before the IPL.
"I have not spoken to any selector (about my future). I keep going to NCA. I enjoy my time there, the facilities are great. NCA has shaped my career and I am grateful for it.
"Also I have to prepare for the IPL. I will be playing the Syed Mushtaq Ali and, hopefully, the Vijay Hazare as well," he said referring to the two domestic tournaments.
Tough to maintain flow as one-format player
Dhawan was playing only ODIs before being sidelined from the team. He said that turning up at the highest level in a single format can negatively impact the game.
"You keep getting breaks and you have to come back. But if you think it is difficult, it will be difficult. I never thought like that. At the same time, when the other players are involved in multiple formats, the flow (in the game) is a bit more and that matters a lot. If they do well, then it strikes in your eyes as well (attracts attention)."
With more than 10,000 international runs in his kitty, Dhawan has a lot to be grateful for. It is unlikely that he will get to feature in his third straight ODI World Cup but he is prepared to embrace whatever comes his way.
"I am in a very happy state of mind. When you play the World Cup it is a great feeling. I am very blessed to have such an amazing career and contribute to the Indian team.
"At this stage, you go year by year. Physically I am very fit and I have an IPL to win for Punjab Kings. Hopefully, we can do that next year," said Dhawan, who has three World Cup hundreds to his name.
Dhawan has more time at his disposal now that he is not part of the Indian team anymore. Besides working on his game and fitness, he also focuses on his commercial ventures, which fall under the Da One Group umbrella.
"It is important to be productive. We live quite a high-paced life, especially when you are playing all formats like I used to at one point. Now I have enough time, so I keep myself involved with my business interests.
"I train well and don't sit at home and make sure it doesn't get into my head. Working on my fitness and my body gives me a lot of positivity."
I would go with Surya at number four
With Shreyas Iyer’s return to the Indian team still unconfirmed, the number four position in the Indian ODI set-up is up for grabs ahead of the World Cup. Suryakumar Yadav and Sanju Samson are the contenders while R Ashwin thinks rookie batter Tilak Varma can be a good choice at that position.
"I would go with Surya at four as he is an experienced player and has been playing international cricket for a while.
"Also, really looking forward to see how Shubman Gill does in the World Cup. Another batter to watch out for will be Rohit Sharma as he did exceptionally well in the last World Cup," he said referring to Rohit's five hundreds in the 2019 edition.
Also Read: ODI World Cup 2023 calling, is Team India really ready?
On India's chances in the World Cup, he added, "We have got a very good side which has the right blend of experience and youth. We will have the home advantage. We know the grounds and pitches and that is going to come in very handy."
(With PTI inputs)
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