Ajit Agarkar Rules Out Shikhar Dhawan’s Immediate India Comeback, Ishan Kishan Listed as Back-Up Opener
Shikhar Dhawan’s Bid for a National Team Comeback Faces Hurdles
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Shikhar Dhawan, the seasoned left-handed batter who once held a pivotal role as one of India’s dependable openers, finds himself in a challenging phase as he struggles to secure a spot back in the national team. Despite his strong performances for the Punjab Kings in the Indian Premier League (IPL), Dhawan’s return to the Indian squad remains elusive.
A Series of Setbacks for Dhawan’s Return
Dhawan’s last appearance in the Indian jersey dates back to December 2022 when he played in an ODI match against Bangladesh. However, his subsequent absence from the team has raised questions about his future prospects. The recent Asia Cup 2023 squad announcement dealt another blow to Dhawan’s hopes, as he was left out of the selection.
Ajit Agarkar Closes the Door on Immediate Dhawan Comeback
Ajit Agarkar, the chief selector of the Board of Control for Cricket in India, has cast further doubt on Shikhar Dhawan’s near-term comeback. Speaking at a press conference, Agarkar emphasized that the selection panel is currently focused on having Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill as the primary openers, with Ishan Kishan as the designated backup.
A Stellar Year for Preferred Openers
Agarkar praised the current performance of the preferred openers, with Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill being acknowledged for their impressive showings. The selector’s comments reflect the challenge of accommodating only a limited number of players in the squad, resulting in the exclusion of Dhawan.
Shikhar Dhawan’s Stature and Contributions Recognized
Agarkar acknowledged Shikhar Dhawan’s past contributions to Indian cricket, labeling him a “terrific player.” Despite Dhawan’s reputation as a seasoned campaigner, his current prospects remain uncertain due to the strong form displayed by the current set of openers.
Dhawan Misses Out on Asian Games Opportunity
Adding to Dhawan’s series of setbacks, reports earlier hinted that he might lead the second-string Indian team at the Asian Games. However, the reality turned out to be quite different, as Dhawan was not even included in the squad. This development further highlights the challenges he faces in regaining his spot in the national team.
In the face of these challenges, Shikhar Dhawan’s journey back to the Indian national team seems to be an uphill battle. While he continues to shine in the IPL, his comeback to international cricket remains uncertain, as the Indian selectors prioritize the existing triumvirate of Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, and Ishan Kishan as the preferred openers.
-Prince Kumar
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