'Youngsters will get more exposure' - Shikhar Dhawan ahead of first ODI against South Africa

India will cross swords with visitors South Africa in a three-match ODI series that gets underway with the first game at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow on Thursday, October 6. India will be without their regular skipper Rohit Sharma as he and all the other players who have been named in India's T20 World Cup squad are all set to depart for Australia shortly.

Shikhar Dhawan is all set to lead India in Rohit's absence. Although Dhawan has not been named in the T20 World Cup squad, he is an integral part of India's ODI team. He will have to marshal a set of young and fairly inexperienced players during the ODI series. 

Players like Rajat Patidar, Mukesh Kumar, Shahbaz Ahmed among others are a part of India's ODI team against South Africa and will be itching to do well against the Proteas if presented with an opportunity. 

Youngsters will get more exposure: Shikhar Dhawan

With India set to be the hosts of the forthcoming 50-over World Cup in 2023, Dhawan believes that the three-match series against the Proteas will be extremely important as it will give exposure to the youngsters.

"This series is a good exposure ahead of the 2023 World Cup. Youngsters will get more exposure playing against a great team. There are benefits all around. It will increase their experience and confidence. They have been doing well. They will learn from their mistakes as they play more. It is important for me to play as much as possible ahead of the World Cup," said Dhawan in a pre-match press conference on the eve of the first ODI against South Africa.

"Whenever possible, I pass on my knowledge to youngsters. Now there is new responsibility on me but I see opportunity in challenges and I enjoy it," added Dhawan.

"My goal currently is the 2023 World Cup. I just want to keep myself fit and be in a good state of mind to be in the fray," he mentioned.

Team India's optional training session on October 5 was cancelled due to persistent drizzle in Lucknow.