Shikhar Dhawan is leading the Indian squad in the upcoming one-day international series against the West Indies, and former cricketer Pragyan Ojha feels he is a contender for the 2023 ODI World Cup. He played in all three One-Day Internationals against England earlier this month and seems as fit as ever. Dhawan scored 41 runs in three 50-over matches against England but slammed 97 runs in the opening encounter against the West Indies.
The seasoned left-handed opener is now only playing one format and is showing his worth in the absence of regular opener and vice-captain KL Rahul. In all three forms, the wicketkeeper-batter has been more consistent with his batting and has built a solid connection with Rohit Sharma. However, he has been dealing with injury concerns recently, which has led to Dhawan’s participation in the current team. However, Ojha feels that Dhawan has performed well in the absence of other veteran players for India and will be picked for the 2023 ODI World Cup.
“I am seeing the right signs. When you look at a senior player, you have to see ki unke saath kya kiya jaa raha hai. He’s in the mix [for the 2023 ODI World Cup] and now, when the seniors are not there and he’s just playing one format, toh unko kaptaan bhi banaya gaya hai. He’s the captain, the leader of the pack, and the batting which looked rusty in England is now looking better … he’s trying to get into that space. It is clear that Rohit Sharma wants Shikhar kyunki dono ki sajjedaari bhi itni achchi hai,” Pragyan Ojha said.
The 36-year-old has scored 6435 runs in 154 One-Day Internationals at an average of 45.31 and previously had one of the strongest opening combinations in international cricket with Rohit. The tandem became just the fourth partnership in history to surpass 5000 runs as an opening pair in one-day international cricket. Dhawan has Rohit’s support, according to Ojha, and his expertise will be essential for India in ICC competitions.
