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Ajit Agarkar Explains Shikhar Dhawan’s Omission From Asia Cup 2023 Squad

image-lll2kewzRohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan run past Mohammad Amir in 2018 Asia Cup (Twitter)

Shikhar Dhawan, one of the stalwarts of India’s top-order for a major part of the last decade, has been overlooked by the selection committee since last December. The batting veteran was widely tipped to make his comeback through the upcoming Asian Games 2023 in China, but the BCCI decided to send an all-young team instead.

Dhawan’s potential comeback into the team was jolted further when he was ignored for the much-awaited Asia Cup 2023 in Sri Lanka. Upon his omission, BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar claimed that the team already has three openers who are performing exceedingly well at the moment, and including Dhawan would only jeopardise the composition of an expanded squad.

Dhawan unlikely to make his return anytime soon as per Agarkar

BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar, along with Indian captain Rohit Sharma, announced team’s Asia Cup 2023 squad at a press conference on August 21. One of the notable omissions from the line-up was Sharma’s long-time opening partner Shikhar Dhawan.

Dhawan, who represented India in 167 ODIs and plundered nearly 7,000 runs at 44.11, played an influential role in team’s 2018 Asia Cup triumph in UAE under Sharma’s leadership. Despite his exquisite record, the cricketer has not found a place in the side since December 2022.

Agarkar praised the legendary batter, describing him as a “terrific player” for India. However, the cricket administrator also addressed the unfortunate scenario where the selection committee had to sideline the left-hander, amidst the emergence of rising opening talents like Shubman Gill and Ishan Kishan. While speaking with the reporters, Agarkar said:

“Rohit is not a bad player, Shubman has had a phenomenal year. Ishan Kishan (is another one). Shikhar has been a terrific player for India. At the moment three guys are doing well and you can fit only 15. Unfortunately someone has to sit. At the moment these are our preferred openers.”

With an Asia Cup snub, Dhawan will likely be ignored for the team’s subsequent World Cup campaign at home. At this stage, the only way the 37-year-old can make a comeback into the side if one of the three first-choice openers succumb to an injury.