India’s veteran opener Shikhar Dhawan is currently leading the Indian cricket team in the ongoing three-match ODI series against New Zealand. Dhawan showed the world what he is capable of as he played a knock of 72 in the first ODI, and formed a 124-run stand for the opening wicket alongside Shubman Gill. Dhawan is leading the side in the ongoing series in the absence of regular skipper Rohit Sharma and vice-captain KL Rahul.
Though Dhawan has been out of favor from India’s T20I squad, he is seen leading the side in ODIs whenever regular skipper Rohit is rested by the BCCI. Dhawan boasts of a brilliant record in ODIs, especially in the ICC tournaments, where he has played some of the most memorable knocks for the Indian side.
Ahead of the first ODI match, former Indian team head coach Ravi Shastri praised Shikhar Dhawan, saying the left-hander doesn’t get the accolades that he really deserves.
Speaking during the pre-match coverage of Prime Video for the 1st ODI match, Ravi Shastri stated that Kohli and Rohit steal most of the limelight. He said: “He’s vastly experienced. He doesn’t get the accolades that he deserves. To be honest, most of the spotlight is on Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. But when you look at his one-day cricket record, and you look at some of the innings he has played against top teams in big games, it’s an outstanding record. A left-hander at the top makes a lot of difference,”
Further, Ravi Shastri went on to add that while India’s current ODI squad in New Zealand has plenty of young faces, Dhawan’s experience will be valuable for the visitors. He said:
“He is a natural stroke player, he has got all the shots to countertop class fast bowling, the pull, the cut, and the drive. He likes it when the ball is coming onto the bat, and I think his experience will be handy here. There are a lot of talented youngsters around, but I think in this format of the game, his experience will be in value,”
