Shikhar Dhawan muses over the startling withdrawal from the Asian Games

Veteran Indian batter Shikhar Dhawan recently spoke up about his displeasure at not being selected for his country’s squad to compete in the Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, last year. A second-string squad was sent to China for the Asian Games as the top Indian side prepared at home for the ODI World Cup 2023.Although Shikhar Dhawan was supposed to captain the Men in Blue during the competition, top batter Ruturaj Gaikwad was ultimately chosen by the BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) to lead the team to the Asian Games.

Speaking on the rejection, Shikhar Dhawan said he was deeply sad to be left out of the squad and that he had never had any discussions with the selectors.

“I was a little taken aback when my name was removed from the Asian Games roster. But then I said, “You just have to accept that they think in a different way.” I haven’t discussed my future with any selectors. I continue to visit NCA. I have fun when I’m there. The amenities are excellent. I am appreciative of how NCA has molded my career,” Shikhar Dhawan told the Times of India.

I’ll give my body some rest: Shikhar Dhawan

It’s interesting to note that Dhawan captained the Indian side in three Twenty20 Internationals (2021) and twelve One-Day Internationals (2022); nonetheless, the experienced batsman lost his spot in the team due to the rise of younger players like Shubman Gill and Ishan Kishan. In response to a question about whether his Test career could have continued, the 38-year-old brought up his age.

“I’ve spent the last four to five years not on the Test team. Every cricket player experiences the influence of age; a sportsman’s life is unique. I will give my body a break and remain fresh for the game’s shorter formats since I am not playing Test matches,” he stated.