One of India’s best opening batsmen, Shikhar Dhawan, made waves in the cricket world in 2004 when he performed brilliantly in Bangladesh during the Under-19 World Cup. With 505 runs scored, the southpaw won Player of the Match.
Dhawan first played for India’s ODI team against Australia in October 2010. His notable 2013 Test entrance bolstered his national team position.
Shikhar Dhawan exemplifies continual solid performance for about ten years. He stands out in both international cricket and the IPL. His impressive figures in ICC tournaments can’t be ignored. He significantly contributed to India’s victory in the 2013 Champions Trophy.
On that point, here are three occasions when India lacked Shikhar Dhawan’s participation in a major ICC match.
3. India vs New Zealand – 2019 World Cup semi-final
In the 2019 semi-final, India, standing first in the group, came up against New Zealand, ranked fourth. The Blackcaps, guided by Ross Taylor’s 74 and Kane Williamson’s 67, set a benchmark of 239/8. Even under overcast conditions, swift early advancements made by Matt Henry (3/37) and Trent Boult (2/42) landed India in a tough spot at 24/4.
India probably wished for a left-handed batsman to begin the innings. This could confuse New Zealand’s bowlers. By the way, it’s unfortunate that Shikhar Dhawan had to sit out because of his World Cup injury.
The Men in Blue were finally bundled out for 221 runs and lost by 18 runs.
2. India vs Pakistan – 2021 T20 World Cup
Pakistan skipper Babar Azam urged India to bat first in this high-octane duel. Shaheen Shah Afridi was on fire, as his late movement into the right-hander claimed the wickets of both Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul.
Despite considerable resistance from Virat Kohli and Rishabh Pant, India was only able to establish a difficult score of 151 for 7 in 20 overs. Pakistan successfully chased down a 152-run goal against India, with openers Babar Azam and Rizwan forging a crucial century-plus combination.
Looking back, Shikhar Dhawan might have been the ideal partner for Rohit Sharma up front. He had a streak of success in the IPL. His approach could have made Pakistan rethink their bowling strategies.
1. India vs Australia – 2023 Cricket World Cup, Final
India had been riding high until Australia defeated them in the 2023 World Cup final. Some believed that India’s over-reliance on Rohit Sharma to provide the team with a strong and quick start was the cause of this. Shubman Gill lost his composure on a slow pitch and died attempting to press the point.
Because India lacked a formidable left-hander in their batting lineup, they were compelled to put Ravindra Jadeja ahead of Suryakumar Yadav. This is when Shikhar Dhawan’s expertise may have come in helpful.
