The Indian squad for the upcoming ODI and T20I series against Sri Lanka has undergone significant changes, with some senior players losing their places. The most significant change was the absence of Shikhar Dhawan from the ODI squad. Dhawan has had a rough patch in ODIs over the last few months. As a result, his exclusion from the team is not entirely unexpected.
However, it appears that the veteran batter has taken the development to his heart. In a now-deleted Instagram post, Dhawan wrote, “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.)” The caption accompanied a clip of the veteran batter sharpening his skills in the nets.
Here is Shikhar Dhawan’s deleted post
Shikhar Dhawan post after getting dropped from national team.
Never give up legend. You are an inspiration for everyone, always being joyful no matter whatever the situation be. ??#ShikharDhawan #Dhawan #INDvsSL pic.twitter.com/sDYvBVcYYD
— CrickWizard (@crickwizzard) December 28, 2022
Dhawan’s post has created a lot of buzz on social media. Fans applaud the Delhi batter for his positive attitude. Some were taken aback when Dhawan deleted the inspirational post. Dhawan’s recent ODI performances, meanwhile, have not instilled confidence in his batting ability. Furthermore, his place in the team was jeopardised after Ishan Kishan hit a double century in the third ODI against Bangladesh on December 10.
Dhawan made his ODI debut in 2010, but it was his memorable Test debut in 2013 that cemented his place in the Indian team. Dhawan has won millions of hearts over the last nine years with his attractive stroke play and affable personality.
The left-hander has consistently performed well in international cricket and the Indian T20 League. However, it appears that Dhawan’s stellar international career is coming to an end. With the ODI World Cup in 2023 on the horizon, selectors have favoured youngsters such as Ishan Kishan over Dhawan. However, die-hard Dhawan fans are rooting for the big-hitting opener to rediscover his form and return to the ODI team.
Here is how Twitter reacted
Still Believe He Will Bounce Back
His Dream to Win the World Cup for India is Still Alive
Currently Struggling with the Form, but he is the guy who soak up pressure in crunch games#ShikharDhawan#SportsYaari pic.twitter.com/kvouTw0ja5
— Dheeraj Singh (@Dheerajsingh_) December 28, 2022
Totally unfair from BCCI.. #Shikhardhawan #dhawan @vikrantgupta73 @ImRo45 @cricketaakash @rawatrahul9 pic.twitter.com/yrpdli31lg
— Nikhil Ashok Lale (@nikhil_lale) December 29, 2022
Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan – a classic top order for India over the years. pic.twitter.com/9VoV4BzBjP
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) December 16, 2022
Thank you Shikhar Dhawan! ?? pic.twitter.com/XG6XtCudbx
— Professor ngl ???? ???? ?? (@GaurangBhardwa1) December 28, 2022
Mr. ICC, thank you for your services Shikhar Dhawan. ??
Maybe there would have been some different scenes in 2019 WC if u weren't injured against Australia. ?#ShikharDhawan #INDvsSL pic.twitter.com/GUkT3ZVKXO
— Akshat (@AkshatOM10) December 27, 2022
Shikhar Dhawan has been one prolific run scorer for team India in ODIs for a decade!
The trio of Dhawan, Rohit and Kohli will be forever special for fans. pic.twitter.com/gMp5nEyvk9
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) December 27, 2022
Is this the end of this iconic opening pair for India?#CricTracker #RohitSharma #ShikharDhawan pic.twitter.com/kN9XGediuQ
— CricTracker (@Cricketracker) December 28, 2022
Shikhar Dhawan could have been left out long back but Virat Kohli fought hard for him before the team selection for the ODI series against England in 2021. Virat Kohli managed to extend his career. (According to Cricbuzz)
— CricketMAN2 (@ImTanujSingh) December 28, 2022
Thanks for everything your r my fav opening partner with Ro @SDhawan25 ? pic.twitter.com/GWF2NCRkU3
— Manojkumar? (@Manojkumar_099) December 27, 2022
End of an era! Thank you Shikhar Dhawan??? pic.twitter.com/Had9rCEF6B
— Mayank (@ImMayankB) December 27, 2022
