Shikhar Dhawan reflects after shocking Asian Games omission

Veteran Indian batter Shikhar Dhawan recently came forward to express his disappointment over his snub from India's squad at the Asian Games that was held last year in Hangzhou, China. The senior Indian team was gearing up for the ODI World Cup 2023 at home, and a second-string squad was sent to China for the Asian Games.

Dhawan was expected to lead the Men in Blue in the tournament, but eventually, the BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) opted for star batter Ruturaj Gaikwad as the skipper of the side for the Asian Games.

Talking of the snub, Dhawan revealed that he was never in talks with the selectors and that he was extremely disappointed after his omission from the squad.

“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. 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,” Dhawan told the Times of India. 

I will give rest to my body: Dhawan

It is interesting to note that Dhawan had led the Indian team in 12 ODIs between 2021 and 2022 and three T20Is in 2021; however, the emergence of young batters like Shubman Gill and Ishan Kishan saw the veteran batter lose his place in the squad. Furthermore, the 38-year-old was asked if his Test career could have been longer, to which he brought his age factor into the discussion.

“I am not in the Test team for the last 4-5 years. The age factor is also there in every cricketer’s life – a sportsman’s life is different. Since I am not playing Test matches, I will give rest to my body, and stay fresh for the shorter formats of the game,” he said.