‘I feel that whatever…’ - Shikhar Dhawan opens up on KL Rahul replacing him as Captain in Zimbabwe ODIs

Team India are currently preparing to face the Kiwis in the upcoming three-match ODI series, starting on 25 November 2022. India already managed to win the T20I series with a scoreline of 1-0 under the leadership of Hardik Pandya. All big-name players took a rest from the whole tour. So, now, Shikhar Dhawan will lead the Men in Blue in the ODI series. 

However, Dhawan last played for India as the skipper during the home ODI series against South Africa before the 20-20 World Cup 2022. But, before the ODI series in Zimbabwe, the Board decided to replace him as the skipper of that series with KL Rahul. Now, ahead of the ODI series in New Zealand, Dhawan opened up about that incident.

"You have asked a good question.” - Shikhar Dhawan

During the pre-match press conference, Shikhar Dhawan said: "You have asked a good question. I consider myself fortunate that I am getting an opportunity to lead the side at this stage of my career. I feel good about it and it is a challenge. We have won good series with a young side. If I talk about the Zimbabwe tour, KL Rahul is the vice-captain of our main team, when he came back, I was mindful of the fact that he had to go to Asia Cup."

"If Rohit had gotten injured during Asia Cup, then KL might have been asked to lead. So it was better that he had the practice during the Zimbabwe tour. I was not hurt. I feel that whatever happens, happens for the best." Dhawan added. 

Dhawan said: "I was then selected as the captain for the South Africa series, the selectors and the team management gave me that opportunity. I never feel bad." Regarding the upcoming 2023 ODI World Cup, Shikhar Dhawan said: "We guys have been performing well for a period of time. At the same time, talking about myself, I have to keep performing. I know till the time I perform,  it would be good for me. It keeps me on my toes and keeps me hungry."