Shikhar Dhawan \'a bit shocked\' to miss out on Asian Games

For now he\'s in a \"very happy state of mind\" and focusing on keeping himself fit should an India call-back come

PTI10-Aug-2023 • 6 hrs ago

India batter Shikhar Dhawan was a \"bit shocked\" at being left out of the squad for the Asian Games, but is not giving up on making a comeback.

India\'s first-choice players will not be going to the Games in Hangzhou next month, with the World Cup starting soon after; instead, the BCCI named a second-string squad for the Games, led by Ruturaj Gaikwad. On four previous occasions when first-choice players were unavailable, rested or engaged in a concurrent series elsewhere, Dhawan had taken charge of the second team.

\"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 to PTI. \"Happy that Rutu [Gaikwad] will lead the side. All the young boys are there, I am sure they will do well.\"

Dhawan, who has not added to his 167 ODIs since December last year, said he was keeping fit should a call-back materialise. \"I will be ready, of course. That is why I keep myself fit. There is always a chance whether it is 1% or 20%.

\"I still enjoy training and I still enjoy the game, these are the things in my control. Whatever decision is made, I respect that.

\"I have not spoken to any selector [about my future]. I keep going to National Cricket Academy [in Bengaluru]. I enjoy my time there, the facilities are great. NCA has shaped my career and I am grateful for it.\"

Dhawan captains Punjab Kings at the IPL, and for now he\'s happy to work towards success there. \"I am in a very happy state of mind. I am very blessed to have such an amazing career and contribute to the Indian team.

\"At this stage, you go year by year. Physically I am very fit and I have an IPL to win for Punjab Kings. Hopefully, we can do that next year.\"

Edited PTI copy