Shikhar Dhawan is relieved that captain Rahul would get some playing time before the crucial Asia Cup.
Though demoted from captain to vice-captain due to KL Rahul’s late entry, the team’s senior player is always willing to aid the younger players who come to him for advice. Dhawan was supposed to lead the side in a three-match ODI series here, but now that he would be acting in a deputy capacity, he is prepared to give it his all.
I find it rewarding to pass on my knowledge to the team’s younger members. When I first visited, in 2013 (officially 2014), Duncan Fletcher was the Indian coach. Dhawan told reporters at a press briefing here, “If they (young people) reach out to me for any recommendations, I am (always) there to answer them.”
The 36-year-old southpaw is pleased that the team’s captain, Rahul, would get some much-needed playing time before the crucial Asia Cup.
“It’s fantastic that KL (Rahul) is coming back and will be captaining the team. In this Indian team, he is a key contributor. Before the Asia Cup begins, this will be a wonderful opportunity for him to play. Dhawan added, “I’m confident he’ll take a lot out from this trip.
After injuring his left shoulder in the Royal London One Day Cup, all-rounder Washington Sundar was ruled out and would not play against Zimbabwe.
The West Indies series in February 2021 was the last time the 22-year-old from Chennai played for India.
Sad to see Washington go. His role on the team is crucial. It’s unfortunate, but accidents do occur. Have faith; he’ll be OK soon. The Indian vice-captain admitted that they would miss him as a spinner, but that “we have got a solid back-up in Kuldeep Yadav and Deepak Hooda, who also bowls off-spin.”
Dhawan thought India shouldn’t take Zimbabwe after their recent series triumph against Bangladesh, despite the fact that India is visiting the southern African nation for the first time since 2016 and hasn’t played much against them in recent years.
“They were victorious over Bangladesh. They’re batting and bowling well. Not taking anything for granted is healthy. The method matters.
We constantly make sure we do things perfectly in order to get the right outcomes, regardless of the squad we are up against. Dhawan has stated that the team’s attention would once again be directed in that direction.
Dhawan lauded experienced Zimbabwean batsman Sikandar Raza, saying that Indian bowlers would need to be strategic if they want to stop him at the right moment.
As one observer put it, “He’s a fantastic performer. He’s been in the national team for Zimbabwe for quite some time. One of the best players around. He stated, “I have no doubt that our bowlers will devise clever strategies to counter him.”
Dhawan continued by saying that several of the younger players in the squad, including Shubman Gill, Avesh Khan, and Ishan Kishan, will benefit much from the exposure they are receiving during the series against Zimbabwe.
“Today’s youth have more opportunities than any generation before. They know their stuff and have solid technique. Domestic and IPL competition has boosted their self-assurance. We feel like we’ve got a lot of leeways. Dhawan characterized it as “a good indicator for the squad.”
