India recently announced their 15-member World Cup squad ahead of the 2023 edition. Among them, Shikhar Dhawan was one person who could not make the cut. Despite Dhawan having a stellar record in World events, he missed out on the selection. But Dhawan has put it behind him and decided to move on. In a video that has created a storm on social media, Dhawan along with Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar was seen offering prayers at the Mahakalleshwar Temple.
In a press interaction, Dhawan stated that he came there to seek god's blessings and also pray for the Indian team to ensure their success ahead of the 2023 World Cup. "Everyone's wish is that India wins the World Cup and I have also asked for the same wish," Dhawan said. When it comes to ODIs, Dhawan has scored 6793 runs in 167 matches for India.
May you bring the Cup home - Shikhar Dhawan after the World Cup squad announcement
Dhawan recently made headlines on Twitter when he took to social media to send an inspirational message to his team-mates ahead of India's World Cup campaign. "Congratulations to my fellow team mates and friends chosen to represent India in the WC 2023 tournament! With the prayers and support of 1.5 billion people, you carry our hopes and dreams. May you bring the cup back home and make us proud! Go all out, Team India!" Dhawan said.
The left-hander last led India in 2021 in Sri Lanka for a three-match ODI series and a three-match T20I series. There were reports that he could be considered as India's captain for the Asian Games which are slated to be held in China, but in the end, it was Ruturaj Gaikwad who got the nod. Dhawan had a stellar record for India in the 2015 World Cup and also in the 2013 Champions Trophy where he won the Golden Bat for scoring the most number of runs for the Men in Blue.
India will be hosting the World Cup for the fourth time. 10 venues will be utilised for the event. When it comes to Rohit Sharma, this is the first time he will be leading India in an ODI World Cup. This will be Virat Kohli's fourth ODI World Cup.
Let us take a look at the reactions on Twitter:
Literally a man with zero haters ❤️🥺
— Nicks🇮🇳 (@Sha2372003) September 9, 2023
Dhawan will be a concussion replacement and will be in 15 for CWC, very soon... that's my guess
— Pankaj G (@mrityunjaypg10) September 9, 2023
Khiladi Kumar 😍
— Kunal Yadav (@Kunal_KLR) September 9, 2023
This man is a from different gravity
— 𝐑𝐨_𝐟𝐚𝐧𝟒𝟓🐐 (@HitmanDevotee45) September 9, 2023
Mtlab koi insecurity nhi hai yarr iss bande mein🥺
I don't understand why an important player like Shikhar Dhawan was left out.
— Modani (@JahirSpecial) September 9, 2023
And you hate this man. He is diamond, no ego even after such bd behaviour from BCCI. He deserves better man 😞
— Mohali to Melbourne 82* (@MelbourneNT82) September 9, 2023
Right now everyone wish must be same ... Let's dont do fan fight and pray for india
— pradeep (@gentledeepu) September 9, 2023
Ek hi to Dil hai kitne baar jeetoge Dhawan bhai 😌
— VAZY🇮🇳 (@vazy_7011) September 9, 2023
Mere ko laga sirf Akshay Kumar ha photo me Dhawan to pujari lag raha tha 🥲 baad me pata chala
— TROLL PAKISTAN CRICKET (@trollpakistanii) September 9, 2023
Dhawan pic.twitter.com/YTM4kMyJa8
— Suresh Parmar® (@iamSureshParmar) September 9, 2023