'Par India ka big game player toh aap ho' - Fans react as Shikhar Dhawan backs Suryakumar Yadav at No. 4 in upcoming ODI World Cup 2023

Veteran Indian opener Shikhar Dhawan spoke at length previewing India’s campaign in the upcoming ODI World Cup 2023 which is slated to take place in October and November this year. The hosts will be among the tournament favourites. However, there have been a few issues in the Indian squad that Rohit Sharma and Co. would like to get rid of. Firstly, there are a lot of returning players like KL Rahul, Shreyas Iyer and Jasprit Bumrah. These players need to get into match fitness with the remaining ODIs set to be played before the marquee event begins.

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The second issue is a little more serious. India has lacked a perfect batter at the Number four position. Recently, skipper Rohit Sharma also said that after Yuvraj Singh no other batter has been able to seal their place at the No. 4 spot. However, Dhawan had someone in mind who could help India’s issues at No. 4, temporarily if not permanently.

Shikhar Dhawan also highlighted Shubman Gill and Rohit Sharma as batters to watch out for

"I would go with Surya at four as he is an experienced player and has been playing international cricket for a while," Shikhar Dhawan told PTI. "Also, really looking forward to seeing how Shubman Gill does in the World Cup. Another batter to watch out for will be Rohit Sharma as he did exceptionally well in the last World Cup," he said, referring to Rohit's five centuries in the previous edition in 2019. On India's chances in the World Cup, the opening batter added, "We have got a very good side which has the right blend of experience and youth. We will have the home advantage. We know the grounds and pitches and that is going to come in very handy."

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Shikhar Dhawan has been out from the national team for a considerable amount of time now. With more time on his hands, the Punjab Kings batter has been devoting a lot of his time to his commercial ventures. "It is important to be productive. We live quite a high-paced life, especially when you are playing all formats like I used to at one point. Now I have enough time, so I keep myself involved with my business interests,” he said.

Here's how fans react:

We miss you Dhawan to open with Rohit not that Ahmedabad Gill 😞

— Sai Shreyas (@SaiShre43225906) August 10, 2023

Gabbar >>>🗿

— Naks..! (@oyenakss) August 10, 2023

Shikhar Dhawan is a better option than sky in ODI

— Pawan Shukla (@Shukla8175) August 10, 2023

But no one backs Shikhar 🥺🥺🥲🥲

— sgmgsktskstkst (@SameerV62994878) August 10, 2023

Laut aao gabbar tumko top order bulaati h.....🥲

— Seth_ji (@gwaaar_seth) August 11, 2023

Rare L for Shikar Dhawan

— X 🖕🫵 (@Chal_n_Chutiye) August 10, 2023

SKY is very good Player

But Gabbar >>>🗿

— Marklal Gada (@Markfeey) August 10, 2023

pic.twitter.com/3gZ3LAckNn

— Prasunjha (@Prasunj90898109) August 10, 2023