Shikhar Dhawan acknowledged being stunned by his exclusion from the Asian Games selection. Given the recent composition of India’s alternate squads, it was anticipated that the left-handed batsman would make the squad and possibly command the team, but he was omitted from Ruturaj Gaikwad’s squad.
It should be noted that Dhawan has served as the interim captain whenever India has fielded a second-string team in recent years. Dhawan acknowledged that he was stunned by his non-selection, but he chose to be philosophical about the situation.
“When my name was not there, I was a bit shocked. But, then, I was like they have a different thought process, you just have to accept it,” Dhawan told PTI. “Happy that Rutu [Gaikwad] will lead the side. All the young boys are there, I am sure they will do well.”
Dhawan is no stranger to being in and out of the team, as he was similarly benched prior to the 2019 World Cup before being selected for the squad on the strength of his performances just before the tournament. The inaugural batter went on to achieve a century in the World Cup before being cut short by injury. Dhawan is aware that the door is not entirely closed on him, and he is determined to be prepared whenever the opportunity arises, given the recent spate of injury concerns among Indian squad members.
“I still enjoy training and I still enjoy the game; these are the things in my control. Whatever decision is made, I respect that. I have not spoken to any selector [about my future]. I keep going to the National Cricket Academy [in Bengaluru]. I enjoy my time there; the facilities are great. NCA has shaped my career and I am grateful for it.”
“At this stage, you go year by year. Physically I am very fit and I have an IPL to win for Punjab Kings. Hopefully, we can do that next year.”
Since the home ODIs against Bangladesh in December 2022, Dhawan has not represented India in any format.
