“Exemplary For World Cricket”: Shikhar Dhawan On India Playing Against Zimbabwe
“Exemplary For World Cricket”: Shikhar Dhawan On India Playing Against Zimbabwe: India’s appointed vice-captain for the series Shikhar Dhawan addressed a press meeting where he talked about the preparation of the team and about the return of KL Rahul.
Team India, managed by KL Rahul, will take on Zimbabwe in the three-game ODI series starting Thursday. Left-handed Shikhar Dhawan is set to replace Rahul, and it will be interesting to see how the team handles the hosts. Initially, Dhawan was appointed captain of the young Indians team, but when Rahul was deemed suitable, he was named leader. Two days before his start in the series, Dhawan held a press conference. We talked about team preparation and Rahul’s return to the team.
On Tuesday, it was reported that Shahbaz Ahmed has substituted “injured” Washington Sundar for the approaching three-match ODI series against Zimbabwe, starting August 18 in Harare. Sundar injured his shoulder in a county match in England and was ruled out as a result.
“It is very good news that KL Rahul is back and will be leading the side. He is one of the main players of the team. The Asia Cup is coming, so it is good for him and I hope he will gain a lot from this tour. It is sad that Washington Sundar has been ruled out of this tour. It is part and parcel, injuries happen, hope he recovers soon,” expressed Dhawan.
“I guess, when Zimbabwe players start winning, their players will get noticed and the players will get exposure as well. We will plan for every player. I want to do well and score runs for the team. I will keep a positive mindset, it is a good opportunity for me,” he further added.
Talking about Zimbabwe’s Sikandar Raza, Dhawan said that Sikandar has been a very sound player. He has been playing for Zimbabwe for a prolonged period. He is a promising player, ‘‘I am sure players will come up with nice plans for him. They will have their bowlers’ meeting.”
“It is very good for world cricket that we are playing against Zimbabwe, it is good for us and them. It is good for them to play against a quality side.’‘ Shikhar said that their team has young players here. It is an opportunity for the team to try new talents. ‘It is good exposure for both teams and this is how Zimbabwe will also get better when they get to play against quality sides,” he said.
Dhawan praised the ODI as a beautiful format. He said that it is a balanced format where players are aware of when to attack and when to defend. ”I really enjoy playing in this format. I really enjoy sharing my experience with the young people on the team. It was my first time here. was in 2014 (sic), when Duncan-Fletcher was an Indian coach. If they (young people) come to me with a proposal, I am (always) there to answer it,” he further added.
India’s squad for 3 ODIs:
- KL Rahul (Captain), Shikhar Dhawan (vice-captain)
- Ishan Kishan (wicket-keeper)
- Sanju Samson (wicket-keeper)
- Ruturaj Gaikwad,
- Shubman Gill,
- Axar Patel,
- Avesh Khan,
- Prasidh Krishna,
- Deepak Hooda,
- Rahul Tripathi,
- Shardul Thakur,
- Kuldeep Yadav,
- Mohd Siraj,
- Deepak Chahar,
- Shahbaz Ahmed.