‘Shikhar pajji op’ – Fans in awe of Shikhar Dhawan for his ‘would have picked Shubman Gill over me’ remark

Shikhar Dhawan, one of India‘s best openers across formats, is no longer a regular member of the squad. While he has had the opportunity to represent the team as the captain in the 50-over format in recent times, his form has been a big worry for the selectors.

Young Indian opener Shubman Gill has replaced the veteran cricketer as the regular opener along with captain Rohit Sharma. Gill has been in excellent form across formats, having already scored a century in ODI, T20I, and Test in 2023.

In an interview with Sports Tak, Dhawan discussed the Indian team’s selection process, claiming that it was a fair decision by the selectors, captain, and coach to choose Shubman Gill over him in the ODI side. In fact, Dhawan stated that if he were the selector, he would have done the same.

Dhawan was asked how long a rope he would have given himself if he had been the team’s selector or captain. “I feel Shubman was already playing both formats and doing really well, both Tests and T20Is. If was playing more matches on the international circuit. If I was the selector, I would’ve given chance to Shubman,” he said.

On being asked if he would pick Shubman over Shikhar, the southpaw said, “Yes, I would.”

Dhawan also stated that he wants to be ready for any magic that may occur in the future, earning him a recall to the Indian team. All he wants to do right now is keep working hard and be ready for any opportunity that comes his way. “Even if the opportunity doesn’t come, I won’t have the regret in my heart that I didn’t prepare myself. Whatever is in my hand, I want to do that,” he said.

In the meantime, fans are left in awe of the Indian cricketer for being selfless and putting the young talent ahead of him. Gill and Dhawan will be representing Gujarat and Punjab, respectively, in the Indian T20 League 2023.

Here is how Twitter reacted to Shikhar Dhawan’s statement