Cricketer-turned-commentator Aakash Chopra batted for senior Indian opener Shikhar Dhawan to be included in the ODI squad for the South Africa series.
While the squad for the Test series is already in South Africa, the team for the ODIs is yet to be announced. With Rohit Sharma being named as the new-white ball skipper, it remains to be seen who will selectors pick in the team.
Some reports suggested that Ruturaj Gaikwad, who scored 4 centuries in Vijay Hazare Trophy, is likely to get the nod ahead of senior Indian opener Shikhar Dhawan, who looked off colour in the tournament.
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The southpaw scored only 56 runs in five matches for Delhi in Vijay Hazare Trophy and his poor form has raised questions about his place in the Indian ODI squad.
Many feel that youngsters should be given opportunities ahead of Dhawan in the squad, some say that him being the proven customer should be given chance to prove his mettle.
Speaking in a video posted on his YouTube channel, former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra feels that Shikhar Dhawan is a proven customer and should be selected in the ODI squad for South Africa. He called southpaw ‘Mr ICC’ and remarked that if he stays fit he should be able to play in ICC Cricket World Cup 2023.
“12, 8 (18), 14, 12 and 0 - that's his last five scores in a high-scoring Vijay Hazare Trophy. Should you select him? I think he should be. Dhawan is India's proven customer. He has done phenomenally well in One-Day cricket. He is the Mr ICC. If we look at 2023 World Cup -- if he stays fit -- why not?” Aakash Chopra said.
Chopra pointed out India hasn’t played much ODI cricket in 2021 and there’s no point in dropping Dhawan. He added that just because youngsters are scoring runs or Rohit-Rahul pair is set, dropping Dhawan would be ‘grossly unfair’.
“India haven't played much ODI cricket in 2021, so why drop him? Some people had insisted that he should've even been selected in the T20 World Cup. Just because Ruturaj is scoring runs, or Iyer can open, or the Rohit-Rahul pair is set.. I think dropping him would be grossly unfair,” he said.
Aakash Chopra further said that dropping someone who has performed decently will be unfair and he feels that Shikhar Dhawan should play in South Africa.
He added that if a plan is made to bring youngsters into the team in place of Shikhar Dhawan, then the opener must be communicated well in advance.
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“If he plays badly, you drop him. But if someone's doing better, and then you drop him -- that's not fair. If you're dropping a proven Indian player on a few domestic performances, that would be very unfair. I think he should be in the tour of South Africa.
“If India is looking at a transition at some stage, please have a word with him. Communication is important -- especially when you're fading out a senior player. Do let them know, take them in confidence,” he said.
India's tour of South Africa will kick-start with the Boxing Day Test from December 26 at SuperSport Park, Centurion followed by the second Test in Johannesburg from January 3 to 7. The final Test will take place in Cape Town from January 11 to 15. While the three-ODI series will be played from 19th January to 23rd January.
