'It is clear that Rohit Sharma wants him' - Pragyan Ojha sees Shikhar Dhawan playing in 2023 ODI World Cup

Shikhar Dhawan is leading the Indian team in the ongoing ODI series against West Indies and former cricketer Pragyan Ojha believes that the player is in the mix for the 2023 ODI World Cup. He featured in all three ODI matches against England earlier this month and is looking as fit as ever. Dhawan scored only 41 runs in three 50-over matches against England but smashed 97 runs against West Indies in the first match.

The veteran left-handed opening batter is playing only one format right now and is proving a point in the absence of regular opener and vice-captain KL Rahul. The wicketkeeper-batter is more consistent with batting and has formed a good partnership with Rohit Sharma in all three formats. But he is struggling with injury issues lately, which led to Dhawan’s inclusion in the current squad. But Ojha believes that Dhawan has done well when India is missing other senior players and is likely to get selected for the 2023 ODI World Cup.

“I am seeing the right signs. When you look at a senior player, you have to see ki unke saath kya kiya jaa raha hai. He’s in the mix [for the 2023 ODI World Cup] and now, when the seniors are not there and he’s just playing one format, toh unko kaptaan bhi banaya gaya hai. He’s the captain, the leader of the pack, and the batting which looked rusty in England is now looking better … he’s trying to get into that space. It is clear that Rohit Sharma wants Shikhar kyunki dono ki sajjedaari bhi itni achchi hai,” Pragyan Ojha said in Glance’s YouTube video.

They have both done a brilliant job together: Pragyan Ojha

The 36-year-old has so far scored 6435 runs in 154 ODI matches at an average of 45.31 and had formed one of the best opening partnerships in world cricket with Rohit earlier. The duo have completed 5000 runs as an opening pair in ODI cricket and became only the fourth duo in history to reach this milestone. Ojha said that Dhawan has Rohit’s backing and his experience will be crucial for India in ICC events.

“They have both done a brilliant job together. I think in world cricket, they are third or fourth, and Rohit Sharma believes that if someone is consistently performing or has done really well over the years, you can’t just discard him. Rohit definitely gives you that cushion, and it’s a good thing, kyunki ICC events ki baat karein toh wahan pe thoda experience zaroor chahiye,” Pragyan Ojha added.