Veteran Indian batter Shikhar Dhawan was shocked after he was left out of the Indian squad for the upcoming Asia Games but he is still hopeful of making a comeback.
With the World Cup 2023 starting soon, India’s first-choice players are not going to the Asia Games in Hangzhou next month. Instead, the BCCI named a second-string squad for the Asia Cup 2023, which will be led by Ruturaj Gaikwad.
Shikhar Dhawan Opens Up On Missing Out On Asia Cup 2023
In the last four previous occasions whenever the first-choice players were unavailable or rested, Shikhar Dhawan was given the responsibility to lead the team. After getting snubbed from the Asia Cup 2023, Shikhar Dhawan opened up about the same for the first time. He said:
“When my name was not there, I was a bit shocked. But, then, I was like they have a different thought process, you just have to accept it,”
“Happy that Rutu [Gaikwad] will lead the side. All the young boys are there, I am sure they will do well.”
Dhawan, who last played the ODI format last year in December, is still hopeful of making a comeback and that is the reason, he keeps himself fit. He said:
“I will be ready, of course. That is why I keep myself fit. There is always a chance whether it is 1% or 20%.”
He added: “I still enjoy training and I still enjoy the game, these are the things in my control. Whatever decision is made, I respect that.”
“I have not spoken to any selector [about my future]. I keep going to National Cricket Academy [in Bengaluru]. I enjoy my time there, the facilities are great. NCA has shaped my career and I am grateful for it.”
Concluding his statement, Shikhar Dhawan said that he is currently in a happy state of mind and is looking forward to leading his team Punjab Kings in the IPL. He said:
“I am in a very happy state of mind. I am very blessed to have such an amazing career and contribute to the Indian team.
“At this stage, you go year by year. Physically I am very fit and I have an IPL to win for Punjab Kings. Hopefully, we can do that next year.”
India’s squad for Asian Games 2023: Ruturaj Gaikwad (C), Jaiswal, Tripathi, Tilak Varma, Rinku, Jitesh, Washington, Shahbaz Ahmed, Bishnoi, Avesh, Arshdeep, Mukesh Kumar, Shivam Mavi, Dube and Prabhsimran.
