Shikhar Dhawan Explains How South Africa ODI Series Will Help T20 World Cup Stand-By Players

05.10.2022 - 20:19 sports.ndtv.com

All the stand-by players for the T20 World Cup, playing in the South Africa ODI series will aim to use the three games to make a case for themselves for the main squad, stand-in skipper Shikhar Dhawan said on Wednesday.

With Jasprit Bumrah already ruled out, the series could be a shot-out between Deepak Chahar, who is in the stand-by list and Mohammed Siraj, who could make that list in the event that Mohammed Shami fails to become match-fit before October 15.

Shami, Shreyas Iyer, Ravi Bishnoi and Chahar are the standbys named for the Indian team for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup in Australia and will be travelling Down Under as reserves. "Of course, it is very important because the more matches they (standby players) are going to play, they will be in better groove and better mindset.

If the boys perform well, then obviously the confidence will help them. Who knows they might get a chance so they can look at this series as preparation," Dhawan said here on the eve of the first game.

cricket South Africa Cricket Team India Cricket Team cup Ravi Bishnoi Shikhar Dhawan Mohammed Siraj Deepak Chahar Australia South Africa Zimbabwe India

Not only with the bat or his on-field actions, Shikhar Dhawan also keeps his fans entertained with his social media reels. From his thigh-five celebration after a catch to his dance with teammates after a win, Dhawan makes sure that he provides his fans some moments of joy at his own expense. Fans too share Dhawan's funny actions and posts with great enthusiasm. Now, the Indian southpaw's latest reel with his father on marriage is going viral on social media.

Deepak Chahar Ruled Out Of T20 World Cup; Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj And Shardul Thakur To Join India Squad In Australia: Report

Deepak Chahar has been ruled out of the upcoming T20 World Cup due to a back injury. Chahar, who was among the stand-by players, was expected to make the main squad in the absence of Jasprit Bumrah but it is understood that his back injury will take time to heal. Pacers Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj and Shardul Thakur will now join the Indian team in Australia, ahead of the team's first match against arch-rivals Pakistan on October 23.

Watch: Shikhar Dhawan Dances To 'Bolo Tara Ra Ra' Song With Teammates Post India's ODI Series Win vs South Africa

India's skipper Shikhar Dhawan had some fun time with teammates after their 2-1 ODI series win over South Africa on Tuesday. The Indian side defeated the Proteas by 7 wickets in the third and deciding ODI match at Delhi's Arun Jaitley Stadium to bag the series. From bringing out his trademark thigh celebration after receiving the winner's trophy to dancing with teammates to cherish the moment, India's stand in skipper for the series, Shikhar Dhawan found it really hard to control his happiness. So was the case of his teammates!

"Showed Maturity": Shikhar Dhawan Lauds India's Effort Against South Africa

India's stand-in ODI captain Shikhar Dhawan is happy that his team was able to show a lot of character on tough pitches during the three-match series against South Africa. After losing the first game in Lucknow, India clinched the series with two one-sided victories over the Proteas. "The boys showed great character on such tough batting pitches. The bowlers were clinical today," Dhawan said after the match. "I am proud of the boys, the way they played in the series. The way they carried the responsibility and showed maturity. Would like to thank the support staff." The first game in Lucknow was a forgettable one for the 'Men in Blue' especially because of the number of catches that they missed.

Shikhar Dhawan's Cheeky Remark 'Thanking' Keshav Maharaj For Batting First In Second ODI Leaves Everyone In Splits

India's stand-in skipper Shikhar Dhawan received a bonus at the time of the toss as his South African counterpart, Keshav Maharaj, opted to bat first after winning the coin toss. The decision turned out to be a brutal one for the Proteas who struggled to control the flow of runs when the Indians came out to bat in the evening. After the match, Dhawan cheekily thanked Maharaj for opting to bat first, admitting that things could've been more difficult for India if they were made to bowl second.

Our plan was to take on SA bowlers in first 10 overs: Shikhar Dhawan

Shikhar Dhawan said the team's plan to take on the South African bowlers in the first ten overs of the run chase clicked as the hosts notched a comfortable seven-wicket win in the second ODI to level the three-match series on Sunday. India chased down the target of 279 with 25 balls remaining, riding on a brilliant 113 not out off 111 balls from Shreyas Iyer and 93 from Ishan Kishan.