IND vs WI: 'Pragyan? Is He Doing Commentary Now'- Rohit Sharma Reacts To Former India Spinner's Remarks

With fewer than three months till the T20 World Cup, captain Rohit Sharma and coach Rahul Dravid will have about 16 games to hone their core team, which will then play unaltered going into a major tournament (5 vs WI, 5 in Asia Cup (assuming India play final), 3 vs Australia, and 3 vs South Africa).

Meanwhile, Shikhar Dhawan recently received fascinating feedback from former Indian spinner Pragyan Ojha, who stated that despite heavy competition from other openers like KL Rahul and Ishan Kishan, he does see the left-handed batter making it to India’s selection for the 50-over World Cup.

Dhawan is no longer a part of India’s T20I squads, but he is still very much a contender for ODI matches. He participated in the three ODIs in England and recently led India to a 3-0 victory against the West Indies.

Pragyan Ojha Expects Pair Of Shikhar Dhawan And Rohit Sharma To Rejoin At The Top

Ojha had stated that Dhawan is wanted by India’s ODI World Cup skipper Rohit Sharma, and that one of the nation’s all-time most dominant opening pairs is expected to rejoin at the top for one more time in ICC competitions. 

“I am seeing the right signs. When you look at a senior player, you have to see what is happening to them. He’s in the mix [for the 2023 ODI World Cup] and now, when the seniors are not there and he is just playing one format.

He’s the captain, the leader of the pack, and the batting which looked rusty in England is now looking better… he is trying to get into that space. It is clear that Rohit Sharma wants Shikhar because they both have very good partnerships,” Ojha had told Jamie Alter on his Glance chat show, The Alternate View. 

“They have both done a brilliant job together. I think in world cricket they are third or fourth [sic: fourth highest in ODIs as an opening pair] and Rohit believes that if someone is consistently performing or has done really well over the years, he can’t be discarded.

Rohit definitely gives you that cushion and it’s a good thing, because in ICC events, you need that little bit of experience. Rohit has said this and he is sticking to it. I am confident that Shikhar will be in the mix unless there is some forced change.” 

In fact, after Sachin Tendulkar and Sourav Ganguly, Rohit and Dhawan have the most runs by an Indian opening pair with 5125 runs, including 15 half-century stands and 18-century stands, the most recent of which was raised during the first ODI against England earlier this month. The pair of Rohit and Dhawan has the fourth-highest runs by an opening combination in ODIs.

Rohit Sharma Surprised By Pragyan Ojha’s New Profession

“You old friend Pragyan Ojha has commented that the way Tendulkar and Ganguly’ professional relationship turned into a friendship by opening the innings together, Shikhar and you have part of a friendship too. Tell us something about it?,” reporter Vimal Kumar asked the Indian captain

When asked about Ojha’s comment on Dhawan, Rohit was left surprised, not by what his former India teammate had to say but about the fact that he has become a broadcaster.

“Pragyan? Pragyan aaj kal commentary karne laga hai kya? Sahi hai, chalo achhi baat hai (Pragyan? Has he started doing commentary? Well, alright, it’s good),” said Rohit in a hilarious reply.

Rohit Sharma Talks About Possibility Of Shikhar Dhawan Making It To India’s Squad

He then went on to speak about the possibility of Dhawan making it to India’s squad for next year’s 50-over World Cup:

“See, whenever we play, whoever is the partner, we all try – not just I and Shikhar – that the understanding remains good, and that transforms into a good friendship off the field.

On the field, obviously, all the players come together to play but off the field also, it is important that all the players stay together, have fun, pull each other’s legs and that is what lifts the environment of the team.

So that is also one of our areas of focus as to how we keep the atmosphere light and enjoy because you won’t get this opportunity enough.”

Also Read: IND vs WI: ‘One Thing? There Are Two’: West Indies Head Coach Says 2 India Youngsters Reason For 3-0 Result In ODIs