On the eve of the first ODI against South Africa, India’s stand-in skipper Shikhar Dhawan has said that all the stand-by players for the T20 World Cup 2022 will aim to use the 50-over series to make a case for themselves for the main squad.
With Jasprit Bumrah ruled out of the showpiece event, the three-match ODI series could be a shot-out between Deepak Chahar and Mohammed Siraj. While Chahar already features in the list of standby players, Siraj could make that list if Mohammad Shami fails to regain match fitness before October 15.
Besides Chahar, Shami, Shreyas Iyer, and Ravi Bishnoi are the standbys named for the upcoming T20 World Cup and they will be travelling to Australia as reserves.
See Also: Team India to travel to Australia on October 6 without their 15th player – Report
"Of course, it is very important because the more matches they (standby players) are going to play, they will be in better groove and better mindset. If the boys perform well, then obviously the confidence will help them. Who knows they might get a chance so they can look at this series as preparation," Dhawan told reporters on Wednesday (October 6).
The southpaw also feels that the ODI series will be a great exposure for uncapped players like Rahul Tripathi, Rajat Patidar, Mukesh Kumar, and Shahbaz Ahmed.
"If you look at the performance of our youngsters, the transition that happened that shows their confidence. The more they play they will get more experience, their confidence level will increase. They will learn from mistakes. Even for me as well. Keeping 2023 in mind, the more matches I play will be beneficial for me," he stated.
"The team is very good and with this team we played in West Indies and Zimbabwe. Most of the players are the same, there are one or two new players. We share a good tuning. The new boys have brought in new energy. They have bee doing well in the last few series."
Shikhar Dhawan is getting picked only in the Indian ODI squad lately. He has played his last Test in 2018, while his last T20I appearance was on the white-ball tour of Sri Lanka in 2021.
No wonder, the veteran opener is focusing more on the 2023 ODI World Cup and wants to keep himself fit for the showpiece tournament at home.
In July this year, Dhawan led India to a 3-0 ODI series win over West Indies away from home. He registered scores of 97, 13 and 58 in the three games. The left-hander then toured Zimbabwe as vice-captain and returned with scores of 81*, 33 and 40.
He will perform the role of a captain once again in the three-match ODI series against South Africa.
"I feel very blessed I had a beautiful career. I am really grateful. Whenever possible I pass on my knowledge to youngsters. Now there is new responsibility on me but I see opportunity in challenges and I enjoy it," he said.
"My goal currently is 2023 World Cup. I just want to keep myself fit and be in a good state of mind to be in fray," he added.
Dhawan said he is enjoying the leadership responsibility entrusted on him.
"I try to give them such an environment where they can be themselves and open up. Thy can then communicate much better. I try to keep a happy, light environment and side by side I also share my experiences and even I learn a lot from them."
(With PTI inputs)
