In a display of sportsmanship and camaraderie, veteran Indian opener Shikhar Dhawan congratulated the Indian cricket team on their selection for the upcoming ICC World Cup 2023. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced the 15-member squad on October 5th, but Dhawan’s name was notably absent from the list.
Dhawan last played an ODI in December 2022 against Bangladesh. Despite a stellar record in ICC events, he has struggled for form lately, averaging in the 20s in his recent outings. This downturn in performance led to his exclusion, paving the way for young talent Shubman Gill, who seized the opportunity and solidified his place in the team.
This marks the first time in a decade that Dhawan won’t feature in a 50-over ICC event. It’s a remarkable point, given that he’s the only player to boast a 65+ batting average in ODI ICC tournaments. Additionally, his role as a left-handed opener has often provided India with a strategic edge.
Nevertheless, Dhawan took to social media to extend his best wishes to his teammates. His message read: “Congratulations to my fellow teammates & 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.”
Shikhar Dhawan’s Graceful Response to ICC World Cup 2023 Squad Announcement
Rohit Sharma will captain the side, with Hardik Pandya acting as his deputy. In comparison to the recent Asia Cup squad, Prasidh Krishna, Tilak Varma, and Sanju Samson have been dropped. Notably, Sanju had served as a backup during the Asia Cup.
Dhawan’s gracious response captures the essence of team spirit and nationalism. It underlines the importance of the collective goal, which transcends individual aspirations and disappointments. His post serves as a motivating force for the younger players, reminding them of the colossal hopes and expectations that come with representing a nation of 1.5 billion people.
While the omission of a player of Dhawan’s calibre is bound to raise eyebrows, it also offers a moment for reflection. Cricket, like all sports, is a blend of form, timing, and sometimes, a little bit of luck. In Dhawan’s case, his recent form hasn’t done justice to his immense talent and past performances.
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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
As Team India prepares for the World Cup, Dhawan’s words will likely resonate within the dressing room. His message serves as both a baton pass and a rallying cry, one that fuses personal grace with national pride. While he may not be on the field, Dhawan’s spirit will surely be felt, encouraging Team India to reach for glory.
Shikhar Dhawan’s classy response to his World Cup omission speaks volumes about his character. It emphasizes the shared dream of making the nation proud, a sentiment that will undoubtedly fuel Team India as they set their sights on World Cup success.
