Shikhar Dhawan’s absence from India’s 2023 World Cup squad raised eyebrows, especially after his recent retirement.
As India reached the final against Australia, many wondered what if Shikhar Dhawan had played instead of Shubman Gill? Would his experience have changed the outcome?
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Dhawan’s Legacy and Form
Shikhar Dhawan was once a cornerstone of India’s white-ball cricket lineup, known for delivering under pressure, particularly in ICC tournaments. Fans cherished his aggressive approach and match-winning performances.
However, his form had dipped in recent years. In his last 22 ODI innings, Dhawan averaged only 34.40, showing a notable decline.
On the other hand, Shubman Gill, Dhawan’s replacement, emerged as a promising talent. Gill had a stellar 2022, scoring 638 runs at an average of 70.89 with a strike rate of 102.57. His consistency and ability to play big knocks earned him a well-deserved spot in India’s World Cup squad.
The World Cup Final: What Might Have Been?
India faced Australia in the 2023 World Cup final, and Shubman Gill could only manage four runs in a high-stakes game. Naturally, fans speculated could Dhawan’s experience have made a difference?
Dhawan had a proven track record in high-pressure matches, but given his recent dip in form, it’s not guaranteed that he would have fared better.
Key Factors to Consider
- Experience vs. Current Form:
Dhawan’s extensive ICC experience was a major asset. However, his declining form posed a risk. Shubman Gill, on the other hand, was in red-hot form leading up to the tournament, making him the safer choice. - Team Dynamics:
Dhawan himself acknowledged that Gill had earned his spot based on recent performances. This speaks to Dhawan’s understanding of the evolving team dynamics, where form often outweighs past achievements. - Impact on Team Morale:
Bringing in a seasoned player like Dhawan could have boosted leadership on the field. However, it might also have disrupted the team chemistry and momentum built with younger players like Gill.
Conclusion
In hindsight, while Dhawan’s experience could have brought stability to India’s batting lineup in the final, Shubman Gill was the rightful choice for the World Cup based on recent form and statistics.
The game of cricket evolves, and though fans hold Dhawan’s contributions dear, young talents like Gill are shaping India’s cricketing future.
Dhawan’s exclusion may stir debate, but it’s clear that the selection process was data-driven and justified. Though cricket is full of surprises, Dhawan’s recent performances indicated that Gill was the correct pick for this World Cup campaign.
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