IND vs ZIM: Quite An Important Player: Shikhar Dhawan On Washington Sundar's Absence From The ODI Series

Updated - 17 Aug 2022, 08:59 PM

Shikhar Dhawan, India
Shikhar Dhawan. (Photo: Twitter)

Shikhar Dhawan has remarked on Washington Sundar’s absence from the Zimbabwe ODI series due to injury, saying that he is a vital member of the team.

Sundar was ruled out of India’s three-match series due to an injury sustained while playing for Lancashire in the County Championship. Shahbaz Ahmed was called up to replace the 22-year-old, who will now undergo rehabilitation at the NCA.

Washington Sundar
Photo Credit: (IPL)

As reported by News 18 in his remarks at the press conference, Shikhar Dhawan acknowledged that the team would miss Sundar’s contributions and praised him as a crucial member of the group. The southpaw continued by saying that the team has enough spinners to serve as reliable backup throughout the three-match series.

Shahbaz Ahmed
Shahbaz Ahmed (Image Credit: Twitter)

“He is a significant player. We now have a replacement. Shahbaz Ahmed will soon arrive. However, we also have additional spinners on the team. We have a fairly well-balanced side. When Deepak Hooda bowls off-spin, Kuldeep Yadav is present. He is going to be missed (Sundar). At the same time, we have a strong backup.”

“It is unfortunate that Washington has left. These things happen in our field. “I hope he recovers soon,” Shikhar Dhawan said.

‘The youngsters will get a good opportunity to shine’: Shikhar Dhawan

Shikhar Dhawan, one of the team’s more experienced players, agrees that the opportunity for the young players to shine against Zimbabwe will be favourable.

India National Cricket Team (Image Credits: Twitter)
India National Cricket Team (Image Credits: Twitter)

“We are glad to be here, boys. It feels good to be back here. It was good when I first arrived, which was probably about 2013 or 2014. The grounds are extremely good, and I do not doubt that the local youth are eager to participate in the games. Few of the boys have done a lot of touring. They will have opportunities here, I am certain,” Dhawan added.

A three-match One-Day International series between Team India and Zimbabwe is set to begin this week in Harare. The series is anticipated to be entertaining as KL Rahul will captain the Men in Blue. The hosts are also looking strong and are full of confidence after a 2-1 series victory against Bangladesh in both T20I and ODI matches earlier this month.

Also Read: Shameful Gesture By Marcus Stoinis Regarding Mohammad Hasnain’s Bowling Action – Shoaib Akhtar

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India National Cricket Team India tour of Zimbabwe 2022 Shahbaz Ahmed Shikhar Dhawan Washington Sundar