IND vs SL: Shikar Dhawan deletes heart-felt video after Team India ODI squad snub

A number of changes were made to the Indian team for the forthcoming ODI and T20I home series against Sri Lanka, and several senior players even lost their places on the team. India will be hosting the Islanders for three T20Is and as many ODIs and the games will be played across six venues. But the major decision taken by the selection committee was to drop Shikhar Dhawan from the ODI team.

For the past few months, Dhawan has been having trouble with his form in the ODIs. And him being a regular figure in the 50-over format, the move was shocking. Recent ODI performances by Dhawan haven't exactly given reason to be optimistic about his batting prowess. Additionally, Ishan Kishan's double century in the third ODI against Bangladesh on December 10 made his position in the team uncertain.

After the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced India’s squad on Tuesday, December 27, Dhawan shared a motivational post on his Instagram. While he received support from many of his fans and followers, the veteran later deleted the post and left everyone wondering. Dhawan had shared a video of him training in the nets and captioned it:

“Gal jeet haar di nahi hundi, Jigrey di hundi hai. Kam kari chalo baaki hamesha Rabb di rza ch raho. (It is not about winning or losing, but about courage. We should do our work and leave the rest in God’s hands.)”

Dhawan eyes for a comeback before World Cup 2023

Despite making his ODI debut in 2010, Dhawan's spot in the Indian side was solidified by his stunning Test debut in 2013. With his alluring stroke play and amiable demeanor during the past nine years, Dhawan has gained the attention of millions of people. In both the Indian Premier League and international cricket, the 37-year-old has constantly performed well. 

However, it appears like Dhawan's illustrious international career is edging closer to its conclusion. The selectors have chosen Ishan Kishan over Dhawan with the 2023 ODI World Cup approaching. But loyal Dhawan supporters are rooting for the powerful opener to regain his form and rejoin the ODI squad. Dhawan has been selected to lead Punjab Kings in the IPL in 2023. Dhawan can definitely make a successful comeback in ODIs and play in the 2023 World Cup if he manages to show off his run-scoring skills at the cash-rich event.