On September 5, the Indian Cricket Board announced their 15-member squad for ODI World Cup 2023. The omission of Star India batter Shikhar Dhawan was on the cards, but the final announcement left fans split on social media. Fans recalled his amazing performances in multilateral tournaments and called it the end of an era.
Meanwhile, Dhawan didn’t seem sad about not being part of India’s World Cup squad. He backed the team and wished them luck. Recently, Dhawan and Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar visited the Mahakaleshwar temple in Ujjain to offer prayers. Both were captured during the Aarti as they were participating in it. Speaking to the media, Dhawan revealed that he came to pray for the Indian team.
“Everyone’s wish is that India wins the World Cup, and I have also asked for the same wish,” Dhawan told the media. Notably, the 15-member squad will be led by skipper Rohit Sharma and coach Rahul Dravid. Star India batter Virat Kohli and pacer Jasprit Bumrah are also integral parts of the squad. Meanwhile, wicketkeeper-batsman KL Rahul made a comeback after an injury.
India will start its campaign against Australia
It’s worth noting that the Indian team is currently participating in the Asia Cup. They will face arch-rival Pakistan in the Super 4 match at Colombo International Stadium in Colombo on September 10. A week after the ongoing continental tournament, the team will host five-time world champion Australia in a three-match ODI series starting September 21.
The caravan will then move to Chennai for the first game of the ODI World Cup 2023. In their first game, India will face Australia at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on October 8. The tournament will kick off with England taking on New Zealand at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on October 5. The Indian cricket team will be looking to clinch the trophy after 12 years.
Here is how fans react to Shikhar Dhawan’s temple visit:
Jai shree Ram ?
— TROLL PAKISTAN CRICKET (@trollpakistanii) September 9, 2023
Hides so much behind his smile ??
— ???? ?? (@blackbindigirl) September 9, 2023
This guy is a gem!
There will be No Shikhar ever again??— ? (@Hustler4CSK) September 9, 2023
????? ????? ??????? ?? ??? ??? ??? ?????? ????
— Ashish (@error040290) September 9, 2023
Naam gabbar. But heart of jai veeru
— OMG (@omgs_tweets) September 9, 2023
Self less player with golden heart ??
— Telugu Digi (@TeluguDz) September 9, 2023
Jai shree Ram Dhawan and Akshay Kumar sir ????
— Babar Azam (parody) (@babarazam8795) September 9, 2023
This time we will win the World Cup??
— Vishal Kumar (@vishalkumar9000) September 9, 2023
Without gabbar this is impossible
— ? ? ? ? ? ?ç?????? (@i_am_juari) September 9, 2023
Ek hi to Dil hai kitne baar jeetoge Dhawan bhai ?
— VAZY?? (@vazy_7011) September 9, 2023
shikhar dhawan should have be there in cwc
— Utkarsh Singh Rudra (@imutkarshrudra) September 9, 2023
Dhawan pic.twitter.com/YTM4kMyJa8
— Suresh Parmar® (@iamSureshParmar) September 9, 2023
What a Gem of a guy he is and also Bhuvi. They silently left without any RR
— ????????!??_?? (@bholination) September 9, 2023
Start your weekend with an inspiring interaction ?
Virat Kohli shares his experience with budding cricketers ??
— ?? ?????? ?????? (@Sanjana_Jii) September 9, 2023
? Yes , God ! Help India 's Selection Committee ?
— Amazing_Aso (@GAUTAM99930) September 9, 2023
Mere ko laga sirf Akshay Kumar ha photo me Dhawan to pujari lag raha tha ? baad me pata chala
— TROLL PAKISTAN CRICKET (@trollpakistanii) September 9, 2023
