Shikar Dhawan opens up for first time after India announced its World Cup Squad

Shikar Dhawan (Source-Twitter)

After the Indian Cricket Management named India's lineup for the ICC World Cup 2023 on Tuesday, veteran Indian opener Shikhar Dhawan gave an impressive response. The One Day International (ODI) World Cup will be held in India for the first time since MS Dhoni and company won the prestigious trophy at home in 2011. India is a two-time champion. This Indian team, led by Rohit Sharma, is seen as one of the strongest competitors for the championship.

Dhawan was considered as one of the strongest contenders for the Indian World Cup squad but following the arrival of young openers Shubman Gill and Ishan Kishan on the International scene Dhawan disappeared. Moreover, his poor performance in ODIs ultimately led to his expulsion from the national team. Dhawan had a strike rate of 74.21 last year despite only averaging 34.40.

As Indian Cricket Management announced its Squad for the upcoming ODI World Cup on Tuesday, Dhawan has expressed his support to his former teammates in the current national team who were selected for the World Cup. He shared a special message to the skipper and his team on twitter. The 37-year-old backed Rohit and Co. to win the World Cup on home soil. "Congratulations to my fellow teammates & friends chosen to represent India in the WC 2023 tournament! With the prayers and support of 1.5 billion people, you carry our hopes and dreams. May you bring the cup back home and make us proud! Go all out, Team India! #ChakDePhatte #WorldCup," the Indian cricketer said.

Rahul and Bumrah retained in World Cup squad

Rahul who has not played any sort of cricket since May due to injury was opted for the world cup. Notably, he was also picked for the Asia Cup 2023. Coach Rahul Dravid said that he will be not available for the first two games of the tournament due to a fresh niggle. Ishan Kishan who played a spectacular knock against Pakistan in Asia Cup has been given a chance in the squad. 

Bumrah also stayed away from the game for the past few months but made a great comeback against Ireland by Leading the side and secured his spot in the World Cup squad. However, team India didn’t bowl in the first match of Asia Cup due to rain. Bumrah went back home since he became a father and will be joining the squad soon in Asia Cup.

Look what Dhawan posted:

Congratulations to my fellow team mates & friends chosen to represent India in the WC 2023 tournament! With the prayers and support of 1.5 billion people, you carry our hopes and dreams.
May you bring the cup back home 🏆 and make us proud! Go all out, Team India! 🇮🇳… https://t.co/WbVmD0Fsl5

— Shikhar Dhawan (@SDhawan25) September 6, 2023