Shikhar Dhawan seen practicing in the nets ahead of Cape Town Test

The Indian Test team that has travelled to South Africa for the three-match series is considered one of the best on paper. Hence they have garnered expectations from every Indian fan ahead of the South Africa series. The Men in Blue are yet to win a Test series in the rainbow nation, and the current team has the promise and talent to overturn their woeful record.

However, a pressing issue ahead of the Cape Town Test was the injury of India opener Shikhar Dhawan. The left-hander was restrained with an ankle injury and thus it was reported that he might not be fit enough to start in the 1st Test. There was a strong belief that third opener KL Rahul would play the match starting on January 5.

But there was some good news for the team on Wednesday morning. Dhawan was spotted at the practice nets as he shrugged off his injury troubles. When the Indian team walked out for their net session, Dhawan started off with a jog around the stadium before he ran a few short sprints. He then padded up and hit the center nets after Murali Vijay had a short hit.

The 32-year-old did not look in any discomfort as he drove and cut with ease. There was no hindrance in his movement as he rocked back on the back foot with ease just like he came forward against the net bowlers.

Kohli-Shastri to make a call on Dhawan’s future

Speaking to CricketNext, a member of the team management privy to the developments revealed that Dhawan was fine and wasn’t feeling any pain. But the decision on the playing XI depended on the skipper and coach Ravi Shastri.

“Dhawan is fine and there is no discomfort as he hit the nets today. You can see he is moving freely. But a final call on the playing XI isn’t something that I can talk about. That is for the coach and captain to decide,” the source was quoted as saying.

Dhawan was also spotted having a long chat with chief selector MSK Prasad before hitting the nets. They were discussing strategies regarding his movement of the hands as coach Shastri stood behind the nets.