Former Indian opener Aakash Chopra believes Shikhar Dhawan’s immediate future might be under scrutiny. Dhawan could not lead from the front in the ODI series against New Zealand. The left-hander could only manage 18 runs in three ODI matches against Bangladesh at an average of six and a strike rate of 51.32.
Thus, Dhawan’s place in the team has come under the scanner after Ishan Kishan scored a blistering knock of 210 runs off just 131 balls.
Chopra was asked if it is time for India to look beyond Shikhar Dhawan as young players like Shubman Gill, Ishan Kishan, and Prithvi Shaw, who are all known for their aggressive approach, are waiting in the wings.
Speaking on the same on his YouTube Channel, Chopra said, “What you are saying is not illegitimate. Shikhar Dhawan’s immediate future might be under scrutiny. I totally agree with that. It is not that he has not scored runs but a time comes in your career, which is not exactly fortunate and you don’t want to find yourself standing there.”
The renowned commentator feels Dhawan’s age (37) is not his friend and the youngsters are grabbing their chances.
“Your performance is not that bad but the youngsters have suddenly started performing extremely well. Age is not on your side, they are the youth and suddenly you start finding yourself out of favor. Shikhar Dhawan is very close to that stage.”
Dhawan hasn’t been at his best in 2022 as he has amassed 688 runs in 22 ODI innings at an average of 34.40 and a strike rate of 74.21.
Meanwhile, Dhawan only plays the 50-overs format, and the former Delhi player believes it would be unfortunate if the southpaw is dropped from the team.
“It is unfortunate because he doesn’t play Tests and T20Is, plays only one format which he plays extremely well, his numbers are amazing, but at this point in time your question is absolutely justified, that if you have slightly better options, that if you need a left-hander you have Ishan Kishan and if you need a right-hander you have Shubman Gill.”
“KL Rahul is currently batting down the order and you are seeing Rohit Sharma as an opener in any case. So is there a place for Shikhar? The next few months are going to be extremely critical. What is the viewpoint of the new selection committee, what Rohit Sharma and the team management think, we will get to see that.”
Dhawan will have to come up with consistent performances to hold his place in the team.
