Veteran Indian opener Shikhar Dhawan was left a "bit shocked" after not seeing his name in the Asian Games 2023 squad. Dhawan was India’s go-to man for second-string squads but he did not find a place in the squad as Ruturaj Gaikwad was given a chance to lead a young side.
"When my name was not there (for Asian Games), I was a bit shocked. But, then, I was like they have a different thought process, you just have to accept it. Happy that Rutu (Gaikwad) will lead the side. All the young boys are there, I am sure they will do well," Dhawan told PTI on August 10.
Dhawan has not played an ODI since India's tour of Bangladesh last December. Shubman Gill replaced Dhawan on top and has been given a long rope after delivering scintillating performances earlier this year. Meanwhile, the 37-year-old has not given up on the possibility of a comeback.
"I will be ready, of course (for the comeback). That is why I keep myself fit (so whenever I get a chance I am ready). There is always a chance whether it is one percent or 20 percent.
"I still enjoy training and I still enjoy the game, these are the things in my control. Whatever decision is made, I respect that," said the left-handed batter.
Dhawan revealed that he has not had any communication with any of the selectors about his future. If he doesn't get to don the blue jersey, he will be playing in Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and Vijay Hazare Trophy.
"I have not spoken to any selector (about my future). I keep going to NCA. I enjoy my time there, the facilities are great. NCA has shaped my career and I am grateful for it.
"Also I have to prepare for the IPL. I will be playing the Syed Mushtaq Ali and, hopefully, the Vijay Hazare as well," the Punjab Kings (PBKS) skipper added.
Gaikwad-led India will start their Asian Games 2023 campaign at the quarter-final stage. India and three other teams got a direct entry into the last eight on the basis of their ICC rankings.
India’s 15-member squad: Ruturaj Gaikwad (Captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rahul Tripathi, Tilak Varma, Rinku Singh, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Washington Sundar, Shahbaz Ahmed, Ravi Bishnoi, Avesh Khan, Arshdeep Singh, Mukesh Kumar, Shivam Mavi, Shivam Dube, Prabhsimran Singh (wk)
Standby list of players: Yash Thakur, Sai Kishore, Venkatesh Iyer, Deepak Hooda, Sai Sudharsan
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