Asian Games 2023: 5 Players who deserved a spot in India's squad

3. Shikhar Dhawan

The veteran opener has been dropped from all formats, however, he continues to prove his mettle in the IPL. In the recent season, he finished as the highest run scorer for Punjab Kings with 373 runs to his name in 11 innings at an average of 41.44 with three fifties to his name. Furthermore, Dhawan has 1759 runs in T20Is at an average of 27.92 with 11 fifties to his name.

The southpaw would’ve been a great pick in the side to lead the team given his vast experience in international cricket and captaincy. However, the selectors didn’t want to recall the veteran back into the squad and instead gave the youngsters a go with the T20 World Cup 2024 just one year away.

Despite that, Dhawan’s leadership was much needed in a team full of youngsters to guide them through precarious situations in the game. And his numbers in the IPL speak volumes of his batting prowess in the shortest format of the game. Dhawan's experience would’ve worked wonders for the team, however, his future to make a return to the Indian team is in absolute obscurity.