'India will need Shikhar Dhawan. Don't see anyone who can open as effectively': Ex-captain

India is gearing up to end their long-standing ICC major trophy drought as they prepare to kick off their campaign in the upcoming ICC Cricket World Cup, scheduled to commence on October 5. Notably, the team's last major ICC tournament victory came way back in 2013, and since then, they have performed well in such events but have been unable to clinch the elusive trophy. Their struggles in the knockout stages have been a recurring issue that has hindered their chances.

3 things you need to know

• India will host the Cricket World Cup in October-November
• Ex-Pakistan skipper wants Shikhar Dhawan to play the WC
• Dhawan is currently sidelined from the Indian white-ball sides

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Ex-Pakistan star wants Shikhar Dhawan in the team

Former Pakistan captain, Salman Butt, has weighed in on India's ODI World Cup plans, suggesting that they should rely on experienced players rather than younger ones for the mega event this year. Butt proposed that Shikhar Dhawan could be the permanent opener, and either Rohit Sharma or Shubman Gill could partner with him at the top.

According to Butt, India needs the stability and experience that Shikhar Dhawan brings to the opening slot, considering there are no right-handed batters who can open as effectively as him. He further suggests that Rohit Sharma could bat at number three, or he could open alongside Dhawan, with Shubman Gill occupying another crucial position in the top order.

"India will need Shikhar Dhawan at the top of the order. Among the right-handers, I don't see anyone who can open as effectively as him. Either Shikhar and Shubman Gill could form the opening pair, with Rohit Sharma coming in at number three, or Rohit can open alongside Shikhar," Butt said. 

"Experience is crucial in the World Cup. India will also need a seasoned player at number six, whether it's KL Rahul or (Ajinkya) Rahane. In high-pressure situations, young players tend to falter, and that's where experience becomes essential," he added. 

Shikhar Dhawan's unlikely return to the Indian outfit

Shikhar Dhawan's return to the Indian team remains uncertain as he has been out of favor for an extended period. Meanwhile, captain Rohit Sharma and opener Shubman Gill continue to be regular fixtures in the squad. During the three-match ODI series against West Indies, India experimented with the opening combination of Gill and Ishan Kishan. While Kishan impressed with three consecutive fifties, Gill's performance also showed promise in the final match.

Also Read: Hardik Pandya On Verge Of Surpassing Jasprit Bumrah And R Ashwin In Major T20I Record

Ajinkya Rahane, who performed well in the IPL and made a successful Test comeback, has not been included in the white-ball squads for the West Indies series. KL Rahul, recovering from a knee surgery, has resumed practice at the National Cricket Academy but remains a question mark for the World Cup.

Image: BCCI