Exclusive: I love playing in ICC tournaments, focus is on 2023 ODI World Cup, says Shikhar Dhawan

12.08.2022 - 13:45 timesofindia.indiatimes.com

Shikhar Dhawan, who became the first captain to guide India to a clean sweep against the West Indies in their own backyard recently, is looking forward to next year's ICC World Cup which will be held in India.

That Dhawan is a dominant player in the ICC 50-over events is no secret. He has played 10 matches in the ODI World Cups so far (in the 2015 and 2019 editions) and has 537 runs under his belt, averaging 53.70.

He also played a stellar role in India's 2013 ICC Champions Trophy triumph, where he was adjudged the Man of the Series for scoring 363 runs in 5 matches at an average of 90.75, including two centuries and one half-century.

The 36-year-old left-hander was given the captaincy baton for the ODI series against West Indies in West Indies. He guided the team to a 3-0 series win and also scored 168 runs to finish as the second-highest run getter in the series after Shubman Gill, at an average of 56 with two fifties.

Football tennis cricket squash cup on focus Shikhar Dhawan Zimbabwe India

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Left-handed batter Shikhar Dhawan has had a memorable 2022 so far as he has produced some fine performances in the 50-over format and has also led Team India for the second time during the ODI series against West Indies. In the 13 ODIs, that he has played this year, the southpaw has scored 542 runs with his highest score being 97 against the West Indies at Port of Spain, Trinidad. In a conversation with NDTV, Dhawan spoke about how the upcoming 2023 World Cup in India keeps him motivated and how he always tries to look after his fitness to be in good shape.

Watch: Shikhar Dhawan Shares Hilarious Video With His Dog On Instagram

Shikhar Dhawan is known for his hilarious videos on social media platform Instagram and there has been a brand new addition to it. The left-handed opening batter shared a video on the International Dog Day on August 26, where he can be seen having fun with his dog.

"He's Putting Pressure On Shikhar Dhawan": Scott Styris On India Youngster

Shubman Gill earned a recall to the Indian ODI side this year, and has taken his opportunities with both hands, winning the Player of the Series award against both West Indies and Zimbabwe. In the six matches he has played against the Windies and Zimbabwe, Gill scored three half-centuries and a century. He could have had another ton as well, but rain played spoilsport and left him stranded on 98 in the 3rd ODI against West Indies. Former New Zealand all-rounder Scott Styris said the 22-year-old has "a huge future in front of him" and that he is putting pressure on veteran opener Shikhar Dhawan, with the World Cup set to be played in India next year.

ICC ODI Rankings: Shubman Gill Jumps 45 places To 38th Position; Virat Kohli Remains Static In Fifth

Indian opener Shubman Gill has jumped a whopping 45 places to be ranked 38th in the ICC ODI rankings released on Wednesday. The 22-year-old youngster had a memorable outing in the recently concluded three-match ODI series against Zimbabwe that also saw him scoring his maiden ton (130 off 97 balls) in the last game in Harare. Meanwhile, former Indian skipper Virat Kohli, who did not feature in the ODI series against Zimbabwe, held on to his fifth position with a rating points of 744.

ICC ODI Rankings: Shubman Gill jumps 45 places to 38th; Virat Kohli remains static at fifth

The 22-year-old youngster had a memorable outing in the recently concluded three-match ODI series against Zimbabwe that also saw him scoring his maiden ton (130 off 97 balls) in the last game in Harare. Meanwhile, former Indian skipper Virat Kohli, who did not feature in the ODI series against Zimbabwe, held on to his fifth position with a rating points of 744.

Watch: Fan Asks Shikhar Dhawan For His "Shirt" During Zimbabwe ODI. Here's His Hilarious Reaction

Shikhar Dhawan is a fun character both on and off the cricket field. He often posts hilarious stuff on social media while his on-field antics are sometimes quite funny too. In the final ODI of the three-match series against Zimbabwe, where Dhawan is the vice-captain of the Indian cricket team, a similar incident happened. In a video posted on social media, Dhawan could be seen wearing a jersey without his name at the back. Instead, at the place where the name of the player is usually printed, it was taped.