Shikhar Dhawan names player who should be India's No.4 at ODI WC: 'I would go with...'

The Indian team management took a surprising call while selecting the national squad for the Asian Games 2023 and didn't include opener Shikhar Dhawan. The opener has been one of Team India's best performers in the ICC tournaments, however, his recent form was not up to the mark due to which he is not part of the current team setup. 

3 things you need to know 

• Shikhar Dhawan was dropped from the team after the IND vs BAN 2022 ODI series 
• The Indian team faced a 2-1 loss against the Bangla Tigers 
• Shikhar Dhawan displayed a really poor performance with the bat and scored 13 runs from three games 

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Shikhar Dhawan opens up on being a one-format batsman

Indian opener Shikhar Dhawan has opened up for the first time on being sidelined from the Indian cricket team ahead of the Cricket World Cup 2023. Dhawan while speaking to PTI said that turning up at the top level as a single-format player can have a negative impact on the game. Shikhar used to play only ODIs before he was snubbed from the team, however, now the selectors are not turning up to him for the upcoming Cricket World Cup 2023 and are in the mood to give chances to young players. The left-handed Indian opener said: 

You keep getting breaks and you have to come back. But if you think it is difficult, it will be difficult. I never thought like that. At the same time, when the other players are involved in multiple formats, the flow (in the game) is a bit more and that matters a lot. If they do well, then it strikes in your eyes as well (attracts attention). I am in a very happy state of mind. When you play the World Cup it is a great feeling. I am very blessed to have such an amazing career and contribute to the Indian team. 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. 

Shikhar Dhawan picks his number four for ODIs 

The Indian cricket team management has been searching for a long-time player who can bat at number four. Team India has tried various players like Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Ambati Rayudu, Sanju Samson, and more in the last few years. Currently, in the absence of main players like Rahul and Iyer, Suryakumar Yadav is handling the most important middle-order position, though, his performance has not been up to the mark as it was in the T20I format. 

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Indian opener Shikhar Dhawan was also asked about his choice for the number four position in the upcoming Cricket World Cup 2023 in the absence of Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul. Dhawan went with Suryakumar Yadav and said that his experience can benefit the team in the major ICC event. 

I would go with Surya at four as he is an experienced player and has been playing international cricket for a while.

Shikhar Dhawan added

Also, really looking forward to see how Shubman Gill does in the World Cup. Another batter to watch out for will be Rohit Sharma as he did exceptionally well in the last World Cup. 

Shikhar Dhawan is a player who has scored a total of more than 10000 international runs and is also known for his stellar performance in the ICC events. Dhawan was the highest scorer in, ICC Champions Trophy 2013. Dhawan was also Team India's leading run scorer in the ODI World Cup 2015 and was ruled out after scoring a century against Australia in the 2019 edition of the tournament. Shikhar Dhawan can be a great option for the upcoming Cricket World Cup.