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Shikhar Dhawan was expected to lead the second-string Indian contingent in the Asian Games to be held in China, as the main team will be busy preparing for the marquee event, the Cricket World Cup. But the selection committee shocked everyone, including the fans as well as Shikhar Dhawan, as he was not even named in the backups of the squad. 26-year-old Ruturaj Gaikwad was given the captain’s role ahead of Shikhar Dhawan.
Dhawan has led India in the past, particularly in the absence of big names like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, and hence he was expected to lead the side this time as well. The left-hander has finally broken his silence about his exclusion from the squad.
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He spoke in an interaction with PTI and said, ”When my name was not there (Asian Games), I was a bit shocked. But, then, I was like, they have a different thought process, you just have to accept it.” He also stated that he was happy with the fact that Ruturaj Gaikwad will lead the side. Dhawan further mentioned that the side consists of all the young boys and he is sure they will do well.
Watch the video here:
The two had shared the Indian dressing room together back in 2021 when Dhawan was the captain of a similar second-string Indian side in Sri Lanka. Gaikwad also made his debut for India under Shikhar Dhawan in that series. The star opener has not given up on his comeback yet, as he said “I will be ready, of course, (to make a comeback). That’s why I keep myself fit (to be ready whenever an opportunity arises). There is always a chance, whether it is one percent or 20 percent.”
The cricketer mentioned that he is working hard, and preparing for the 2024 IPL as well as the two white ball domestic tournaments, the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and the Vijay Hazare Trophy, where he represents Delhi.
The PBKS captain has been out of the Indian team since the Bangladesh series in December 2022. After making his debut in 2010, he became a permanent member of the Indian team and opened the innings alongside Rohit Sharma. But he started getting fewer opportunities after the rise of Shubman Gill, and he was eventually dropped from the Indian team.
Popularly known as Mr. ICC, Dhawan is known for scoring runs in ICC tournaments on the biggest stage. He was the leading run scorer in the 2013 Champions Trophy and was also adjudged the player of the series for his stellar contribution. He had a great World Cup in 2015 as well as a great Champions Trophy in 2017. With another World Cup approaching in a couple of months, the selectors might have a look at Dhawan once again, looking at his past records, but it seems highly unlikely.
