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Out-of-favour Shikhar Dhawan is unlikely to feature in India's ODI World Cup side later this year as Shubman Gill has cemented his place at the top with a burst of consistent performances including a record-breaking double ton. Dhawan who has been a mainstay in India's ODI lineup for a decade seems to have made his peace with his exclusion from the squad after a string of low scores.
"They (ups and downs) are part of life. With time, with experience you learn how to handle them with ease. I find lot of strength in them. I did my best. If somebody is doing better than my best, that is fine,” the 37-year-old told PTI on the sidelines of the inaugural Formula E race in Hyderabad.
"That is why that person is there and I am not there. I am very happy and content wherever I am. I make sure my process goes on strong. Of course there is always a chance of me coming back to the side.
"If it comes it is good, if it doesn't come that is also good. I have achieved a lot and I am happy with that. Whatever has to come will come. I don't get desperate about it."
Dhawan will return to competitive cricket in the upcoming edition of Indian Premier League (IPL). While Dhawan has not played a T20I since July 2021, the left-handed batter turned out to be the top-scorer for Punjab Kings (PBKS) last season. The southpaw scored 460 runs from 17 innings at an average of 38.33 including three half-centuries. After returning from National Cricket Academy, Bengaluru, he is all set to join PBKS' pre-IPL camp next week.
"My IPL preparation is going on well. I was in Bangalore for 10 days. The focus was on fitness. With the IPL coming up, I will join the camp in Mohali from Feburary 24 and then we regroup again later on and get going.
"I am in a very good state of mind and looking forward to leading from the front," he said.
During the Formula E race event, Dhawan also met legendary Sachin Tendulkar whose love for cars is not hidden.
"It is always lovely to meet Sachin paaji. He has got great passion towards sports cars,” the veteran batter said.
“It was a great experience. I took a lap of the track. I see lot of potential for Formula E in India as it is sustainable and promotes a healthy environment. Since it is organised mainly on public roads, it should gather a lot of ground in India.”
