I am very surprised to see Shikhar Dhawan not getting a chance in Team India as he is still one of the fittest players. He appeared in a number of IPL games. He had a fantastic innings in which he not only batted well but also fielded well.
According to me, age is just a number. If anyone is performing very well for his team and he is fully fit, then he can prove to be very useful for the team.
What surprised me was that Shikhar doesn’t even have a replacement in the team who is in the same form like him. If he is 36 years old and he has not got a place in Team India, then the selector and coach are not taking the right decision. In the past too, many players have played at the age of 39–40. If Dinesh Karthik can be made a part of Team India at such a late age, then why should Shikhar Dhawan be kept out of it?
Shikhar’s fitness and his strike rate are very good. If a player doesn’t fit the coach’s plan, telling them in advance would be the right move. The selector should also indicate if a player is included in the team.bIf that is not done, then they should inform him the reason so that he can get rid of his weaknesses. The T20 World Cup is also going to be held this year and India needs the experience of Shikhar Dhawan. He is a good team-man as well as a big match winner. It would be very unfortunate if he was not selected.
Wriddhiman Saha is an excellent wicketkeeper. For Team India, his behind-the-wicket collection and glove work have been phenomenal in Test matches. India needs a safe wicketkeeper like him. Certainly, he should be considered for the test.
It is generally said that the T20 format is the cricket of youngsters. Youngsters perform well in this format, but experience is needed in the team. Butler is an example of this as he has scored the most in this IPL even though he is not a youngster. KL Rahul, Ruturaj Gaikwad, and Ishaan Kishan have been included in the team. I think, considering the current options, Ruturaj Gaikwad should open the innings along with KL Rahul.
The author is a Dronacharya Award winner apart from being the coach of Virat Kohli.
