Shikhar Dhawan has been side-lined from India’s T20I plans for the future but remains an integral part of the ODI setup. Currently, the 36-year-old is leading the Men in Blue against South Africa in the three-match ODI series at home.
While the Southpaw has been handed a huge responsibility, his stature in the team continues to fall. Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have gone on to become undroppable from the playing XI while Dhawan plays a bit part role here and there. Former India batting coach Sanjay Banger has reiterated the same opinion and believes that Dhawan’s contributions remain overshadowed. He has also said that the Indian batter should receive more appreciation for his contributions to the team.
“A couple of things, obviously he hasn’t got the accolades that he deserves as an ODI cricketer. If you think of great left-handers who have played for the country, you think of Sourav Ganguly at the top, Gautam Gambhir and who next? The kind of consistency that he has in this format is absolutely phenomenal,” Sanjay Banger said in a chat with Star Sports. Banger has also lauded Dhawan’s attitude towards cricket and life in general.
“He is somebody who is a very happy-go-lucky guy. He doesn’t really regret a lot of things that has happened in the past. That’s his mindset, that’s his outlook towards life. He values what he has in his hands. He has got ODI cricket in his hands,” said the former India cricketer.
“All these things, put together, he has a brilliant personality, character and charisma,” concluded Bangar.
Shikhar Dhawan led India against South Africa in the first ODI at Lucknow where the Men in Blue lost by nine runs. Sanju Samson came up with a valiant effort of 81* but could not take the team across the finish line. Both teams will clash again in the second ODI on 9th October in Ranchi.
