The BCCI selected a roster of youngsters for the Hangzhou Asian Games in September-October, with the first-choice gamers busy making ready for the ODI World Cup at dwelling.
The 37-year-old left-hander was anticipated to steer India’s second-string squad in China, a publish he held until 10 months in the past, however the selectors selected Ruturaj Gaikwad as a substitute.
“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. Happy that Rutu (Gaikwad) will lead the side. All the young boys are there, I am sure they will do well,” Dhawan informed PTI on Thursday.
With Shubman Gill becoming a member of Rohit Sharma on the prime, it seems that the Indian group has moved on from Dhawan, who had turn into a one-format participant earlier than being sidelined from the ODI squad after the Bangladesh journey in December 2022.
The ever-optimistic Dhawan, who has been considered one of India’s best ODI hitters over the past decade, stated he cannot predict what lies forward however can be prepared if a possibility comes.
“I will be ready, of course (for the comeback). That is why I keep myself fit (so whenever I get a chance I am ready). There is always a chance whether it is one percent or 20 percent.
“I nonetheless get pleasure from coaching and I nonetheless benefit from the sport, these are the issues in my management. Whatever choice is made, I respect that,” said the southpaw who remains a centrally-contracted cricketer and spends a lot of time at the National Cricket Academy.
If the India comeback doesn’t happen, Dhawan has an IPL trophy to win for Punjab Kings. He also expressed his keenness to play in the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 Trophy and 50-over Vijay Hazare Trophy before the IPL.
“I’ve not spoken to any selector (about my future). I maintain going to NCA. I get pleasure from my time there, the amenities are nice. NCA has formed my profession and I’m grateful for it.
“Also I have to prepare for the IPL. I will be playing the Syed Mushtaq Ali and, hopefully, the Vijay Hazare as well,” he stated referring to the 2 home tournaments.
‘Tough to keep up circulation as one-format participant’
Dhawan was taking part in solely ODIs earlier than being sidelined from the group. He stated that turning up on the highest stage in a single format can negatively affect the sport.
“You keep getting breaks and you have to come back. But if you think it is difficult, it will be difficult. I never thought like that. At the same time, when the other players are involved in multiple formats, the flow (in the game) is a bit more and that matters a lot. If they do well, then it strikes in your eyes as well (attracts attention).”
With greater than 10,000 worldwide runs in his kitty, Dhawan has loads to be pleased about. It is very unlikely that he’ll get to function in his third straight ODI World Cup however he’s ready to embrace no matter comes his approach.
“I am in a very happy state of mind. When you play the World Cup it is a great feeling. I am very blessed to have such an amazing career and contribute to the Indian team.
“At this stage, you go 12 months by 12 months. Physically I’m very match and I’ve an IPL to win for Punjab Kings. Hopefully, we will do this subsequent 12 months,” said Dhawan, who has three World Cup hundreds to his name.
As he is not part of the Indian team anymore, Dhawan has a lot more time at his disposal. Besides working on his game and fitness, he spends a lot of time on his varied commercial ventures, which fall under the Da One Group umbrella.
“It is necessary to be productive. We dwell fairly a high-paced life, particularly when you’re taking part in all codecs like I used to at one level. Now I’ve sufficient time, so I maintain myself concerned with my business pursuits.
“I train well and don’t sit at home and make sure it doesn’t get into my head. Working on my fitness and my body gives me a lot of positivity.”
‘I might go together with Surya at quantity 4’
With query marks over the health of Shreyas Iyer, the quantity 4 place within the Indian ODI set-up is up for grabs forward of the World Cup. Suryakumar Yadav and Sanju Samson are the contenders whereas R Ashwin thinks rookie batter Tilak Varma could be a good selection at that place.
“I would go with Surya at four as he is an experienced player and has been playing international cricket for a while.
“Also, actually trying ahead to see how Shubman Gill does within the World Cup. Another batter to be careful for might be Rohit Sharma as he did exceptionally nicely within the final World Cup,” he said referring to Rohit’s five hundreds in the 2019 edition.
On India’s chances in the World Cup, he added, “We have gotten an excellent aspect which has the appropriate mix of expertise and youth. We may have the house benefit. We know the grounds and pitches and that’s going to come back in very helpful.”
(With PTI inputs)
Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com