Xtra Time Web Desk: Team India opener Shikhar Dhawan is reportedly set to lead a second-string Indian cricket team in the Asian Games 2023, scheduled to be held in Hangzhou, China from September 23 to October 8. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is planning to send both the men’s and women’s teams to the quadrennial event. However, this decision poses a clash with the commencement of the ICC Men’s ODI World Cup, starting in India from October 5 onwards.
Dhawan has been out of the 50-overs squad since December 2022, with Shubman Gill taking his place. Despite not being part of the current roster, Dhawan’s experience and past captaincy credentials make him the frontrunner to lead Team India in the Asian Games. He has previously captained India in 12 matches, most recently during series against Zimbabwe and South Africa in 2022.
With many players on the fringes of the ODI squad, the Asian Games provides an excellent opportunity to give younger players some well-deserved playing time. The BCCI will make the final decision on this matter during the Apex Council meeting on July 7.
Dhawan has an impressive record in multi-nation tournaments, including scoring 537 runs in 10 innings during the ICC ODI World Cup. He was also the highest run-scorer in India’s victorious campaign in the ICC Champions Trophy 2013 and has performed exceptionally well in high-pressure games throughout his career. With 17 centuries and 39 half-centuries in 163 ODI innings, the Asian Games could present Dhawan with a chance to further solidify his legacy in Indian cricket.