"Not Right": Ex-India Batter On KL Rahul Replacing Shikhar Dhawan As Captain For Zimbabwe Series

17.08.2022 - 07:33 sports.ndtv.com

Originally, it was Shikhar Dhawan who was chosen to lead Team India for the upcoming three-match ODI series against Zimbabwe, beginning August 18 in Harare and KL Rahul was not named in the squad.

However, upon recovering from COVID-19, and then being deemed fit, Rahul was included in the squad and he was also named as captain with Dhawan acting as his deputy.

Former India batter Mohammad Kaif has now given his take on the entire episode, saying the situation could have been avoided. "The situation could have been avoided.

You have asked a valid question. There might be a miscommunication, and the report of KL Rahul might have come late. He is going there for the Asia Cup, but he would have needed match practice before that.

cricket India Cricket Team on as Asia Cup Mohammad Kaif Shikhar Dhawan Kl Rahul Zimbabwe India Harare

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.

"Not Looking Confident Even After Getting Set": Ex-Pakistan Captain On Virat Kohli

As India stepped out to the field against Pakistan in the Group A clash, the entire focus was on Virat Kohli. The right-handed batter was returning to international cricket after being rested for the series against West Indies and Zimbabwe. In the match against Pakistan, Kohli ended up scoring 35 runs off 34 balls with the help of 3 fours and 1 six. Former Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul-Haq said that Kohli should have a played a longer innings but he was not looking confident even after scoring 30 odd runs.

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.

Rare India-Pakistan meeting in Asia Cup 'exciting' for Rahul

India's KL Rahul said on Friday his team is looking forward to playing Pakistan in a high-stakes Asia Cup clash this weekend with the arch-rivals only meeting each other in multi-nation events due to political issues between them.

"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.

Wasim Akram Names 'Dangerous' India Batter Who Can Hurt Pakistan. And It's Not Virat Kohli Or Rohit Sharma

Ahead of the blockbuster clash between the arch-rivals, former Pakistan skipper and legendary pacer Wasim Akram said that star Indian batter Suryakumar Yadav will be crucial for the team and have the potential to hurt Pakistan in the Asia Cup. In 23 T20I matches, Suryakumar has smashed 672 runs at an average of 37.33 with five fifties and a very recent hundred - 117 in a closely-fought match against England at The Oval. India will be starting its Asia Cup campaign with a high-octane clash against Pakistan on August 28.