India’s vice-captain Shikhar Dhawan reckons they are going to miss the services of Washington Sundar but they have good backup players. Sundar’s injury woes continued as he was ruled out of the ODI series against Zimbabwe due to a shoulder injury, which he suffered while playing in Royal One-Day Cup.
Sundar was then replaced by Shahbaz Ahmed, who impressed one and all with his performances in the IPL while playing for Royal Challengers Bangalore. Shahbaz scored 219 runs in 16 matches for Royal Challengers Bangalore. He also took four wickets for RCB and played a key role in the team’s run to the playoff stages.
The left-hander also scored 262 runs while playing for Bengal in Ranji Trophy, including a century. Thus, he deserves his place in the Indian squad.
Shikhar Dhawan said in the pre-series press conference, “He is quite an important player. We have got a replacement now. Shahbaz (Ahmed) is coming in. But we have got other spinners as well in the side. We have got quite a balanced side. Kuldeep Yadav is there, Deepak Hooda bowls off-spin. We are going to miss him (Sundar). At the same time, we’ve got good backup as well.”
“Very sad that Washington is out. It is part and parcel of our field, these things happen. Hope that he recovers soon.”
Dhawan added that they are happy to be touring Zimbabwe and he revealed that the young players will look to grab their chances.
“We guys are happy to be here. It’s a good feeling to be back here. I remember when I came in 2014 or something (2013), It was good. The wickets are quite good over here and I am sure that youngsters over here are looking forward to playing the matches. Few of the boys have been touring a lot. I am sure they are going to get chances over here.”
Dhawan, who now only plays the ODI format for the Indian team, said a 50-overs format is a beautiful form of the game as it gives time to players to plan their innings.
“It’s a beautiful format. It’s quite a balanced format, where you should know when to attack, when to defend as well. You have to know that you have to take the game for a long time.
“It’s not a rushed format. Even for bowlers as well, it’s about understanding when to attack, when to be safe. This format gives you all those things. I really enjoy playing it.”
India will play the first ODI against Zimbabwe on Thursday.
