'Zero reason to hate you Gabbar' - Fans react as Shikhar Dhawan says he would prefer to play Shubman Gill ahead of himself

Shubman Gill & Shikhar Dhawan (Image credit: Twitter)

Shikhar Dhawan has been India's promising opening batter for the past few years, but the 37-year-old is no longer a part of the Indian team in any format of the game. Although Dhawan was sidelined in T20Is and Tests, he remained a vital player for India in ODIs. However, following a series of unimpressive performances and the emergence of new stars, he lost his place in the 50-over format as well.

Meanwhile, opening up about the current selection scenario in the Indian cricket team, Dhawan said it was a fair call by the selectors, captain and coach to replace him in the ODI squad with Shubman Gill. Despite being a regular member of the ODI format for India for many years, the left-handed batter was dropped and replaced by Gill, who opened the innings alongside Indian skipper Rohit Sharma. However, the young man proved that the management's decision was correct by proving his ability in every opportunity he got.

Dhawan, who is regarded as a pure-hearted player, said that if he was the selector, he would've picked Gill over of him.

"I feel Shubman was already playing both formats and doing really well, both Tests and T20Is. If was playing more matches on the international circuit. If I was the selector, I would've given chance to Shubman. Would have selected Shubman over Shikhar," he said in an interview with Aaj Tak.

How did Dhawan lose his seat?

Dhawan last played a Test for India in 2018 against England. He was named the captain for the limited over series against Sri Lanka in 2021, but was not selected for the 20-20 World Cup squad in the UAE and has not played the shortest format for India since then. The Delhi-born player's opportunities were limited to the ODIs, but he failed to perform well in the last few outings, forcing the selectors to open doors for others.

Having replaced Dhawan in the top order, Gill is now shining in all formats of the game. The right-handed batter scored 624 runs from nine innings this year at an average of 78 with two centuries and a double century. The 23-year-old became the youngest male cricketer to score a double hundred and the fastest Indian to score 1000 ODI runs in 19 innings.

Here's how fans reacted to Dhawan's statement: 

That's why, bro have 0 haters....

— BumbleBee 軸 (@itsMK_02) March 25, 2023

Such a humble person 💗

— Sudharsh (@Sudhars4249) March 25, 2023

Pure hearted fellow .

Performed better than Kohli n Rohit in icc still out.

Rohit kohli got backing but dhawan didnt 😭😭😭😭😭

— HAR$H WORD$#😼 (@itsFactz1) March 25, 2023

Fraud trying to gain sympathy. He thinks I can't see him

— Cruq 6 2 🇫🇷 (@Cruq62) March 25, 2023

Remove Kohli & Bring Dhawan he's great in 50 over world cups gill can play at 3

— Rudra Singh (@legendDhoni07) March 25, 2023

Why man he is a ICC king

Shubham is not ready to play big matches see recent australia series

Leave new Zealand there is no boult,Southee etc

Shikhar is king

— Suraksha Engineers&c (@surakshaengg) March 25, 2023

Dhawan>>> any opener in the world for icc tournaments

— Sahil (@kohlibhakt018) March 25, 2023

This is what we call a team player , none of that Thala nonsense

— Sack Potter (@Punjabi_Mou) March 25, 2023

He is better than motu and pill but he always backs small players

That's Dhawan for you ❤️

— Suraj (@suprsuraj) March 25, 2023

My respect for him📈📈...missed him in series against kangaroos

— Adarsh Vardhan (@Adarsh9500) March 25, 2023

Pure hearted man.... Gabbar

— Ashutosh (@Ashutosh1274) March 25, 2023

Zero Reason To Hate You Gabbar ♥️

— CMT (@mowamemes_) March 25, 2023