Sunil Gavaskar, the former Indian captain, has said he would like all-rounder Rishi Dhawan to return to the Indian team to fill the role of a fast-bowling all-rounder, which the team has lacked since Hardik Pandya's injury issues.
Before falling out of contention, Dhawan, who made his international debut for India in 2016, played only three matches - two ODIs and one T20I - in the same year. But the Himachal Pradesh captain has become a contender for the all-rounder's role after an impressive Vijay Hazare Trophy 2021/22 season.
He had scored 458 runs in eight innings for Himachal Pradesh at 76.33, with five half-centuries, to finish second in the tournament behind Ruturaj Gaikwad. He also took 16 wickets in the tournament, finishing third in that category.
Gavaskar, speaking to Sports Tak, emphasized the importance of an all-rounder in the Indian team, praising their contribution to the country's two World Cup victories.
“Rishi Dhawan has previously played for India, probably 5-6 years back. And the way he has performed this time...you said it right, India do need a fast-bowling all-rounder. I have always said this that India's success in World Cups...look at 1983, 1985, 2011 and 2013...whenever there is an all-rounder in the team, the captain and the selection committee have more options in hand,” he said.
Gavaskar believes that if the management could speak with Dhawan about his role and if given the chance, he would make the most of it.
“So, the form in which Rishi Dhawan is in this season, I definitely feel that he should be given an opportunity, a responsibility and he should be told that we are depending on you and the fact that India need all-rounders, someone who can bat at No.6 or 7 and open or be the first-change bowler, if he is said this then even, he would make the most of the opportunity then,” he said.
