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

ALSO READ : IND vs PAK Asia Cup 2023 Match Prediction, Playing XI, Pitch Report, Weather Forecast, H2H Record, Fantasy Picks

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.

The post After India’s World Cup snub, Shikhar Dhawan’s ‘go all out’ tweet goes viral. appeared first on Republic Aeon.

Dhawan did not mind being cast in a variety of roles over the course of his career. The Indian veteran never expressed disappointment regarding his exclusion. On the contrary, he enjoyed seeing young people embrace opportunities and flourish. However, for the first time, a subtle shift in Dhawan’s demeanour and an emotional touch are discernible.

The India opener disclosed that he was taken aback when he was omitted from India’s 15-man Asiad squad, with the selectors opting for the young Ruturaj Gaikwad instead. Yet, being the generous and kind-hearted individual that he is, Dhawan wished the group of young athletes the best of success in their pursuit of gold at the championship event.

“I was surprised to see that my name wasn’t on the list (for the Asian Games). Then I said, “They have a different way of thinking; you just have to accept it.” We are delighted that Rutu (Gaikwad) will head the team. “All the young boys are present, and I am confident they will perform well,” Dhawan said in an interview with PTI.

Shikhar Dhawan not giving up just yet

Dhawan’s finest days are over at age 37. Between 2016 and 2021, his once-outstanding strike rate became a cause for concern for India, ultimately leading to his removal from the T20I and ODI squads. In addition, the emergence of Shubman Gill and Ishan Kishan effectively closed the door on Dhawan’s opportunities. Even though Dhawan’s last game for India was in December of last year, he is still a vital cog for Punjab Kings in the IPL. The star opener is not ready to cast in the towel just yet. Dhawan, who is currently training at the NCA, is willing to return to his domestic origins in order to secure a final opportunity with the national team.

“Of course I will be prepared (for the return). That is why I maintain my physical fitness (so that I am always prepared). There is always a possibility, regardless of whether it is 1% or 20%. I still appreciate training and the game; these are the variables I can influence. I respect whatever decision is made,” he added.

ALSO READ : My ODI numbers are very poor and there is no shame in accepting it: Suryakumar Yadav

“I have not discussed my prospects with any selectors. I frequently attend NCA. I have a good time there; the facilities are excellent. NCA has shaped my career, for which I am appreciative. Additionally, I must prepare for the IPL. I will portray Syed Mushtaq Ali and, presumably, also Vijay Hazare.”

The post ‘When my name wasn’t there…’: Shikhar Dhawan’s first Asian Games axe reaction appeared first on Republic Aeon.