TATA IPL 2022 is slowing drawing to a close and the focus now will shift to the International cricket. Indian cricket is facing a huge season ahead as they face off against South Africa post the IPL. The Indian players who are part of the league are trying to catch the eye of the selectors. Some of the biggest names are expected to be rested for the 5 match T20 series against South Africa. Some of the biggest performers in the Indian Premier League will be expected to be part of the series. One of the names expected to be a huge part of the team is a veteran name.
'Gabbar' hopes to play a huge part in the future –
Shikhar Dhawan has been away from the Indian team for a long time. The last time he played for India was in the 3 match ODI series earlier this year against South Africa. Dhawan despite being experienced wasn’t picked for the T20 world cup later in 2021. Dhawan is expected to be named the captain of the Indian side for the South Africa series and the subsequent Ireland series. The 36 year old said “Though I remain an integral part of the team, I still feel that I can contribute in the shortest format because of my experience. I have been quite doing well in the T20 format. Whatever role I have been given I have done well. I have managed to stay consistent in the formats that I am playing, whether it is the IPL or at the domestic level and I am enjoying it. Consistency is not only about scoring fifties or hundreds frequently, but also about maintaining even gaps between such scores”
Dhawan reveals his thoughts on missing the T20 world cup in 2021 –
Apart from Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, no one has made runs in the bulk during ICC events that Shikhar Dhawan. The left hander despite his heady form in the IPL wasn’t picked for the World Cup. The left hander while speaking to the media said “Yes, I am a very positive person. It was a dream come true for me leading the team last year. For the T20 World Cup, they thought the (chosen) players were better than me and fair enough. Whatever decision selectors make, I respect that. That happens in life. You accept it and keep doing your job. I only focus on what is in my control and try to make the most of the opportunities that I get”
Can Dhawan play the world cup in Australia later this year?
Shikhar Dhawan has yet again put in a strong performance for his IPL side this year. He will hope to keep his good form with the bat going and hope to be picked for the Indian team for the World Cup later this year in Australia. The Indian fans can hope that Dhawan gets a swansong in the Indian colours by playing the ICC world cup in 2023. Speaking about this the PBKS opener said “I don't put unnecessary pressure on myself. It's a race that never ends. If I get into that mindset, I will not be happy and it's not good energy. My ODI average is 45.53. I am always looking for growth, analysing if I can get better. We as cricketers have to remain on our toes and fit to be relevant in the race to represent India. I am playing for the next three years at least. I have been batting quite well for the past few years, I am hopeful and positive that the way I am performing, there are many milestones to achieve”
Shikhar Dhawan has played 149 ODI games and scored 6284 runs with 17 centuries and 35 fifties at an average of 93. He has played 68 T20 games for India scoring over 1700 runs with 11 half centuries and a strike rate of 126. Dhawan has been one of the most consistent IPL performers and has played 205 games since the start of the league in 2008. He has amassed 6205 runs with 2 centuries and 47 half centuries with a strike rate of 126.
In TATA IPL 2022 Dhawan has scored 421 runs from 13 games so far, he has hit 3 half centuries and has a strike rate of 122. This is the 7th season in a row where he has scored over 400 runs for the season.