‘This is all about the World Cup’ – Shikhar Dhawan wants young team India to set their eyes on next year’s ODI World Cup
India are all set to lock horns with New Zealand in the three-match ODI series starting on Friday. Ahead of the series, India’s stand-in captain for the ODI series, Shikhar Dhawan came to the pre-match press conference and shared his thoughts on captaining India and his ODI future. He also talked about his state of mind when KL Rahul was given the captaincy ahead of him once he was declared fit for the Zimbabwe tour.
Dhawan revealed that he wasn’t hurt by the decision and took it sportingly.
“I wasn’t hurt. Because whatever happens, happens for the good. I got to captain in the series against South Africa. That too happened because of the selectors,” said Dhawan in the pre-match press conference in Auckland on Thursday. “I don’t feel bad if some things don’t go my way. That’s how I think.”
He further said that he considers himself lucky to get the opportunity to lead the side.
“I consider myself very fortunate that I am getting captaincy at this juncture of my career. It feels good to grab this challenge. We have won quite a few good series with a young team. With KL, since he is vice-captain in the main team, and since he was going to Asia Cup and if Rohit got injured, it’s better he gets to practise for it in Zimbabwe. That was the right thing to do,” he added.
“I don’t take anything for granted” : Shikhar Dhawan
After getting dropped from the Tests and the T20I side in 2018 and 2021 respectively, Dhawan now only features in the ODI side. With the ODI world cup approaching next year, the left-handed batter stated that he doesn’t take anything for granted.
“I don’t take anything for granted. It’s good that it keeps me on my toes.” Given the paucity of ODIs in non-World Cup years, Dhawan stays off the grid more time these days but he is keen on letting that affect his mindset. “It totally depends on the individual,” said Dhawan.
Dhawan further expressed his thoughts on the upcoming series and India’s plans going ahead in the future.
“To play good cricket and win the series, that’s what we are looking for,” he said. “Of course it’s good exposure for the young boys, to do well in New Zealand, test their skills. It’s been raining as well, and the ball has been moving so it’s a good opportunity for us to show our skills. This preparation is all about the World Cup.”
