Shikhar Dhawan, a beacon of positivity and a stalwart in cricket, recently took to social media to convey his warm wishes after missing out on India’s World Cup squad selection.
Although he won’t be among the 15 players representing India in the World Cup, which is slated to take place in India from October 5 to November 19, Dhawan’s gesture epitomized the spirit of camaraderie and gentlemanly conduct.
The BCCI, on September 6, announced the squad that would don the blue jersey in the marquee event. Dhawan, in response, voiced his sentiments on platform X, stating, “Kudos to my fellow players chosen for the WC 2023! You carry the aspirations of 1.5 billion Indians. Here’s to hoping you make the nation gleam with pride. Charge ahead, Team India! #BleedBlue #WorldCup2023.”
While Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill were pegged as India’s primary openers, Ishan Kishan was inducted as a flexible batting option for different game scenarios.
Dhawan’s omission from the squad was not entirely surprising given his recent international outings. His challenges were evident during India’s series against South Africa and New Zealand, and his form waned in the subsequent series against Bangladesh.
Interestingly, earlier this year, Dhawan, in a candid conversation with Aaj Tak, had thrown his weight behind the young talent, Shubman Gill. He remarked, “Understanding Shubman’s potential and seeing his performance across formats, I’d vouch for him. If I were in the selection shoes, it would be Gill over Dhawan for me.”
On the domestic front, Dhawan’s recent stint was with the Punjab Kings in the Indian Premier League, where he accumulated 373 runs in 11 games, boasting a commendable strike rate of 142.91.
While he may not be part of the World Cup squad, Shikhar Dhawan’s stature and respect in the Indian cricketing fraternity remain undiminished, both for his relentless spirit and invaluable contributions over the years.