"Good For World Cricket": Shikhar Dhawan On India Playing Against Zimbabwe

16.08.2022 - 14:43 sports.ndtv.com

KL Rahul-led Team India would be squaring off against Zimbabwe in the three-match ODI series, beginning Thursday. Left-handed batter Shikhar Dhawan will be acting as Rahul's deputy and it would be interesting to see how the team performs against the hosts.

Originally, Dhawan was named as the captain for the young Indian team, but once Rahul was deemed fit, he was chosen as the leader.

Two days before the start of the series, Dhawan addressed a press conference where he spoke about team's preparation and having Rahul back in the team.

On Tuesday, it was announced that Shahbaz Ahmed has replaced "injured" Washington Sundar for the upcoming three-match ODI series against Zimbabwe, beginning August 18 in Harare.

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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.

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.

Watch: Shikhar Dhawan And Co. Dance Like Crazy On 'Kala Chashma' Song Post Series Win vs Zimbabwe

It was memorable evening for the KL Rahul-led Indian cricket team as it defeated Zimbabwe by 13 runs in the third ODI to complete a 3-0 series sweep. Sikandar Raza scored a heroic ton to give India a mighty scare in Harare, but ultimately the visitors prevailed. With most of the senior players being rested, the series was all the more special for the lot. Earlier, Shubman Gill made his first international century. Gill not only wreaked havoc with the bat, he also caught Zimbabwe centurion Sikandar Raza, who was threatening to give the home side a shock victory.

India and Zimbabwe 3rd ODI LIVE Score: KL Rahul, Shikhar Dhawan Start For India vs Zimbabwe

India vs Zimbabwe, 3rd ODI, Live Score Updates: KL Rahul and Shikhar Dhawan have started the Indian innings against Zimbabwe in the third and final ODI at the Harare Sports Club on Monday. Earlier, Rahul won the toss and opted to bat first. Deepak Chahar returned for the final game, while Avesh Khan also got included in the playing XI. Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna make way for the duo. Guests India would aim for a series sweep, while the hosts Zimbabwe will try to register a consolation win. In the first two ODIs, Team India bowled first and bundled out the hosts for below par totals of 189 and 161. In the second ODI, KL Rahul disappointed as he departed after scoring just one run, and now he would hope to register a big score ahead of the Asia Cup match against Pakistan on Sunday. (LIVE SCORECARD)