Veteran batter Shikhar Dhawan has expressed that he was shocked over his snub from India’s squad for the Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, last year. While the senior men’s team, led by Rohit Sharma, was gearing up for the ICC ODI World Cup, the BCCI named a second-string team for the Asiad. Since Dhawan wasn’t in India’s scheme of things for the showpiece event at home, he was expected to lead the other team in China. However, the selectors went ahead with Ruturaj Gaikwad as the captain and left Dhawan aside.
The left-hand had been leading India in the absence of Rohit Sharma. Dhawan captained the men in blue in 12 ODIs between 2021-2022 and in 3 T20Is in 2021. But the emergence of the likes of Ishan Kishan and Shubman Gill eventually led to the veteran batter’s exit from the Indian dressing room. He last featured in the ODI series against Bangladesh in 2022 before going out of favour.
Speaking with The Times of India, Dhawan spoke about getting omitted from the side and also added that he is not in talks with the selectors.
“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. 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,” Dhawan told TOI.
Keeping the body fresh for shorter formats
Dhawan last played a Test match for India in 2018, against England in London, where he scored 3 & 1 across innings. Since then, he has been focusing on the shorter formats. Asked if his Test career could have been longer, he said,
“I have been privileged to be able to play as much for the Indian Test team side, I made my Test debut in 2013 against Australia. My debut in the longest format was a memorable one as I scored 187 runs off 174 balls vs Australia. Five years later, in 2018, I played my final Test match for the national team. After this, I have completely focused on white-ball formats (ODIs & 20Is).”
“I am not in the Test team for the last 4-5 years. The age factor is also there in every cricketer’s life – a sportsman’s life is different. Since I am not playing Test matches, I will give rest to my body, and stay fresh for the shorter formats of the game,” he added.
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