Anurag Kumar
Tuesday, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced India’s squad for the impending ICC World Cup. In response, veteran Indian opener Shikhar Dhawan issued an eye-catching statement. India will host the One Day International (ODI) World Cup for the first time since 2011 when MS Dhoni and company won the famous trophy at home. Under the stewardship of Rohit Sharma, India hopes to end its trophy drought in ICC competitions.
Until he was deemed superfluous to requirements during the World Cup year, Dhawan was an integral member of India’s leadership group. Following the international debuts of youthful openers Shubman Gill and Ishan Kishan, Dhawan was relegated to the background, and his lackluster performance in One-Day Internationals led to his dismissal from the national team. Last year, Dhawan had a strike rate of 74.21 despite averaging just 34.40.
Dhawan drops special message for Rohit’s men
On Tuesday, when India announced its World Cup roster, Dhawan offered his support to his erstwhile teammates on the national team. The 37-year-old shared a special message on X (formerly known as Twitter) in which he supported Rohit and company to win the World Cup at home. “Congratulations to my teammates and colleagues who have been selected to represent India in the World Cup 2023! With the support of 1.5 billion people and their prayers, you carry our aspirations and dreams. May you return with the trophy and make us pleased! Go for broke, India! “#ChakDePhatte #WorldCup,” tweeted an Indian cricketer. Dhawan’s social media post was an instant hit with his admirers.
Congratulations to my fellow team mates & friends chosen to represent India in the WC 2023 tournament! With the prayers and support of 1.5 billion people, you carry our hopes and dreams.
May you bring the cup back home 🏆 and make us proud! Go all out, Team India! 🇮🇳… https://t.co/WbVmD0Fsl5— Shikhar Dhawan (@SDhawan25) September 6, 2023
Rahul retains place in India’s squad
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Talking about India’s 15-member squad, versatile batsman KL Rahul retained his place on the roster despite not playing international cricket since May. Recently, the Indian batter was deemed healthy by the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bangalore. Rahul was suffering from a minor ailment when he was included in India’s Asia Cup squad.
Congratulations to my fellow team mates & friends chosen to represent India in the WC 2023 tournament! With the prayers and support of 1.5 billion people, you carry our hopes and dreams.
May you bring the cup back home 🏆 and make us proud! Go all out, Team India! 🇮🇳… https://t.co/WbVmD0Fsl5— Shikhar Dhawan (@SDhawan25) September 6, 2023
The vacuum left by Rahul was filled by Ishan Kishan, who scored 82 not out against Pakistan in India’s Asia Cup opener. Rahul and Kishan were retained by India’s World Cup selectors, while Tilak Verma and Prasidh Krishna were omitted. Sanju Samson, who served as Rahul’s reserve at the Asia Cup, was also omitted from India’s World Cup squad.
