IND vs NZ ODI: Shikhar Dhawan heads onto the NewZealand series with the captain’s Armband but knows his place is up for grabs as India begin their preparations for the 2023 World Cup. A star opener in the 50-over format for most of the last decade, the left-hander finds himself at crossroads heading into the final years of his career. Watch IND vs NZ 1st ODI LIVE on Prime Video and follow India vs NewZealand LIVE updates on Insidesport.IN
IND vs NZ ODI: Captain Shikhar Dhawan racing against time, faces stiff competition as veteran opener eyes 2023 World Cup LAST DANCE – Check out
Given the growing competition for places, Shikhar Dhawan finds himself in quite the juxtaposition as India prepare for the 2023 ODI World Cup at home next year. While Dhawan has led the second-string ODI squad several times over the past year, the left-hander is still fighting to keep his place in the side given India’s luxury of options.
Dhawan alongside Rohit Sharma are among the most prolific opening partnerships in ODI history, but the left-hander’s powers have been on the wane. In 2022, Dhawan has a decent average of 40.50 at the top of the order, but his strike rate of 74.60 rings alarm bells.
With 300+ totals being the bare minimum, Dhawan’s slowish approach could hurt India’s chances of putting on a big score on the board. Openers Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul struggled to score quickly in Australia during the T20 World Cup, which eventually was one of the prime reasons behind India’s T20 WC exit.
While the format is different, the scoreboard pressure will be on Dhawan to provide India with fast starts. Furthermore, the 36-year-old has hit a rut as far as big innings are concerned, with his last century coming way back in the 2019 World Cup against Australia.
Shikhar Dhawan in 2022
| Mat | Runs | HS | Avg | SR | 100s | 50s |
| 16 | 567 | 97 | 40.5 | 74.6 | 0 | 5 |
IND vs NZ ODI: Captain Shikhar Dhawan racing against time, faces stiff competition as veteran opener eyes 2023 World Cup LAST DANCE – Check out
While Dhawan will still be the favourite to open alongside Rohit Sharma, a good series in NewZealand will go a long way in easing concerns for the team management. The veteran faces stiff competition with the likes of Shubman Gill, KL Rahul, Ishan Kishan and Sanju Samson all presenting as options.
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Dhawan’s strike rate will also be monitored by the team management, with regular captain Rohit Sharma wants the team to play an aggressive brand contrasting with Dhawan’s style of hold and anchor. The 36-year-old has in the past showcased his aggressive inticnts with a strike rate in excess of 90 for six straight years. Whether, Shikhar can tap into the that mode will be key to his and India’s chances going forward.
IND vs NZ ODI: Captain Shikhar Dhawan racing against time, faces stiff competition as veteran opener eyes 2023 World Cup LAST DANCE – Check out
Editors pick
