Although India suffered a humiliating whitewash at the hands of South Africa in the recently concluded three-match ODI series, there were few positives for Team India to take home. One of them was the form of veteran opener Shikhar Dhawan, who on his comeback to the national side after the gap of almost six months hit two half-centuries in three games. 

With the 2023 ODI World Cup on home soil less than two years away, Dhawan’s form comes as a major boost as Rahul Dravid and his coaching staff has begun preparing for the global event. Talking about Dhawan’s form, former Indian off-spinner Harbhajan Singh lavished praise on the left-handed opener and hailed his fitness at the age of 36. 

“I was very happy when Shikhar Dhawan made a comeback. He is a dedicated player and I want to ask who is that young player who is playing superior that Dhawan? I am so happy to see him back. The moment he came back, he’s hit a couple of fifties. India may have lost the three ODIs but he has done his job,” Harbhajan told Sports Tak.

Harbhajan claimed that age should not be a criterion to decide whether Dhawan can be a part of India’s World Cup squad. The former Indian spinner added that the ex-Delhi Capitals player still has a lot to offer the team. “I don’t understand that some people’s age is considered while others’ isn’t. There are players who have also played a World Cup at 38, 39 and 40. And at 36, Dhawan is fitter and as young as a 23-year-old Ishan Kishan. His fitness is brilliant. And at 36, if you say he shouldn’t make a comeback, I would say that will be unfair. He has shown that he still has plenty left,” added Harbhajan.

After not making India’s squad for the 2021 T20 World Cup, Dhawan seems to be out of the reckoning for a spot in this year’s T20 World Cup in Australia. However, he is expected to play a major role as India aim to lift the 50-over World Cup on home soil next year.