Indian management to decide Shikhar Dhawan’s future after Ishan Kishan’s double hundred against Bangladesh – Reports
Shikhar Dhawan has been having a tough time with the bat in ODIs this year. The opener was once again dismissed cheaply in the third ODI against Bangladesh on Saturday as he departed after scoring just 3 off 8 balls. Dhawan’s failure coincided with a batting masterclass by Ishan Kishan, who grabbed the opportunity with both hands and scored the fastest double hundred in ODI cricket. According to reports, Dhawan’s ODI future is likely to be discussed by the new selection committee, which is expected to be formed soon.
As it was reported by PTI during the 20-20 World Cup in Australia, a source confirmed that the process of phasing out the senior players will start from the next year.
“A call on Shikhar’s future will only be taken after new selection committee is appointed. But head coach Rahul Dravid and skipper Rohit Sharma’s views can’t be ignored,” a senior Indian Cricket Board source privy to developments told PTI on conditions of anonymity.
The left-handed opener failed to fire in the entire Bangladesh series and managed to score just 18 runs in three innings. The Southpaw has been struggling to get going in the only format he plays for India as he has just one 50-plus score in his last 11 ODI innings which came against New Zealand in the first ODI of the series last month.
Dhawan’s worst year in ODIS since his comeback in 2013
The 37-year-old has scored 688 runs in 22 innings in ODIs in 2022 at an average of 34.40 and a below-par strike rate of 74.21. It’s his worst average and strike rate recorded in a year since his return to the Indian team in 2013. The Delhi batter has six half-centuries to his name this year.
Dhawan’s constantly diminishing strike rate and dated approach to opening the innings is proving to be detrimental for the team during the Powerplay overs. While no date has been given, as per a report in NDTV, the Indian Cricket Board will hold a review meeting of the team’s performance and discuss the roadmap with head coach Dravid and NCA head VVS Laxman on the way ahead.
With young openers like Shubman Gill and Ishan Kishan consistently performing with the bat, it looks unlikely that the team management will continue to keep Dhawan in the squad as the World Cup is just one year away.
