"When My Name Wasn't There..." - Shikhar Dhawan Reveals His 'Shocked' Reaction At Asian Games Snub

Veteran opener Shikhar Dhawan has said he was surprised and shocked at being excluded from the Asian Games last year. The left-handed batsman has fallen out of favor with both selectors and the Indian team management and is unlikely to play for Team India again.

Shikhar Dhawan has not played in international cricket for more than a year now. He has not played a Test since 2018 and T20I since 2021. His last ODI appearance came in December 2022 during the away series against Bangladesh. Since then, the Indian team management has put faith in the likes of Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill as well as Ruturaj Gaikwad.

The veteran opener must have fancied his chances of a recall for the Asian Games as most of the first-choice players were busy preparing for the World Cup. The selectors did name a second-string side but Shikhar Dhawan failed to make the cut for the competition. Gaikwad was appointed as the captain of the makeshift squad for the continental sporting event.

Shikhar Dhawan on Asian Games snub:

Speaking to The Times of India, Shikhar Dhawan said that he was shocked at being ignored for the Asian Games. However, it did not take him long to make peace with yet another setback. The senior opener also stated that he has not talked with any selector about his future in international cricket so far.

“When my name was not there (for Asian Games), I was a bit shocked. But, then, I was like they have a different thought process, you just have to accept it. I have not spoken to any selector (about my future). I keep going to NCA. I enjoy my time there. The facilities are great. NCA has shaped my career, and I am grateful for it,” said Shikhar Dhawan.

Speaking further, Dhawan also stated that he is grateful to play Test cricket for the country and recalled his memorable debut. The southpaw announced his arrival in Tests in style by playing a whirlwind knock of 174 in the Mohali Test against Australia in 2013.

“I have been privileged to be able to play as much for the Indian Test team side, I made my Test debut in 2013 against Australia. My debut in the longest format was a memorable one as I scored 187 runs off 174 balls vs Australia. Five years later, in 2018, I played my final Test match for the national team. After this, I have completely focused on white-ball formats (ODIs & 20Is).”

“I am not in the Test team for the last 4-5 years. The age factor is also there in every cricketer’s life – a sportsman’s life is different. Since I am not playing Test matches, I will give rest to my body, and stay fresh for the shorter formats of the game,” said Shikhar Dhawan.