A call on Shikhar Dhawan’s future is likely to be taken by the new selection committee following Ishan Kishan’s double-century in the 3rd ODI against Bangladesh on Saturday (December 10). With Rohit Sharma out of the game due to a thumb injury, Ishan was given the opening job.
After a decent start, Ishan took over the charge and converted his maiden hundred into a double-century to make sure that he isn’t dropped from the squad for the next series. He seems to have done enough to also keep his spot in the playing XI going forward and a call on Dhawan’s future could now be taken.
PTI has reported that BCCI will hold a review meeting of the team’s performance with head coach Rahul Dravid and NCA Chief VVS Laxman. Laxman has worked with Team India as a stand-in head coach in many matches.
Dhawan largely struggled in 2022 but given that he was the most senior member of the team, the left-handed batsman was given captaincy whenever the regulars were absent.
“A call on Shikhar’s future will only be taken after a new selection committee is appointed. But head coach Rahul Dravid and skipper Rohit Sharma’s views can’t be ignored,” a senior BCCI source was quoted as saying by PTI.
Courtesy of his double-century, Ishan can’t be dropped from the ODI team while Shubman Gill will also make his comeback in the next series. Rohit Sharma will be there to lead the team and Dhawan, being the senior member, should also be there. Given that KL Rahul can also open, India might have as many as 5 openers in the squad when they will face Sri Lanka on January 10.
The final decision lies in the hands of the new selection committee. The new committee will be selecting the squads for the home season, starting with the white-ball series against the reigning Asia Cup champions.
