Shikhar Dhawan Expresses Surprise at Exclusion from Asian Games Squad, Remains Resilient for Future Opportunities
Renowned Indian cricketer Shikhar Dhawan has openly shared his surprise and initial shock at not being selected for the Asian Games squad, despite his recent involvement in leading India’s second-string teams. The left-handed batter, who hasn’t featured in any format for India since December 2022, was widely anticipated to not only make the squad but potentially captain the team. However, his name was conspicuously absent from the roster, a development that took him aback.
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Dhawan, known for his positive and philosophical outlook, spoke candidly about his emotions in response to the non-selection. He acknowledged the differing perspectives of the selectors and gracefully accepted their decision. “When my name was not there, I was a bit shocked. But, then, I was like they have a different thought process, you just have to accept it,” Dhawan shared in an interview with PTI. He expressed his satisfaction with Ruturaj Gaikwad being named captain and conveyed his confidence in the young players’ abilities to excel.
This situation isn’t unfamiliar to Dhawan, who had previously experienced being sidelined prior to the 2019 World Cup. Despite initial exclusions, he had fought his way back into the squad through exceptional performances just before the tournament, eventually scoring a century in the World Cup. Dhawan’s journey was unfortunately interrupted by an injury that prematurely ended his participation in the event. Given his prior experiences, Dhawan remains hopeful and determined to seize future opportunities that come his way.
While Dhawan admitted to the surprise of his non-selection, he maintains a pragmatic approach towards his cricketing career. He emphasized his enjoyment of the game and his commitment to continuous improvement through rigorous training. The National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru has played a significant role in his development, and he expressed gratitude for the facilities and support provided there.
Looking ahead, Dhawan acknowledged that his career is characterized by taking things year by year. His physical fitness remains intact, and he eagerly anticipates representing the Punjab Kings in the next IPL season. “Physically I am very fit and I have an IPL to win for Punjab Kings. Hopefully, we can do that next year,” Dhawan affirmed.
Although Dhawan’s absence from the Asian Games squad was unexpected, his resilience and positive attitude reflect his unwavering commitment to the sport. With his determination to continue performing at the highest level, Shikhar Dhawan remains a valuable asset to Indian cricket, ready to contribute whenever the opportunity arises.
