IND vs SA: There’s No Need To Put Pressure On Him - Saba Karim Backs Shikhar Dhawan As Opener For World Cup 2023

India will take on South Africa in a do-or-die clash in the second ODI of the three-match series at the JSCA International Stadium Complex in Ranchi on Sunday, October 09. India lost the first match in Lucknow by 9 runs, and the visitors took a 1-0 lead in the series. Shikhar Dhawan is leading the national team in the ODI series for the second time this year.

Shikhar Dhawan currently represents India in only one format as he is not included in the squad for T20Is or Tests. The Southpaw was selected as the captain for the ODI and T20 series against Sri Lanka last year and has not played T20I matches for India since then. His T20I career is over, but the same cannot be said about his ODI career as he is a regular player in the 50-over game.

Former Indian Selector Saba Karim believes that Dhawan will be opening alongside Rohit Sharma in the 2023 Cricket World Cup.

Shikhar Dhawan Will Open With Rohit Sharma in 2023 World Cup – Saba Karim

“Shikhar Dhawan’s place in the team has been confirmed. There’s no need to put pressure on him all the time. There will be one or two matches where he won’t score runs. I think the selectors have decided that Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan will be the openers in the next 50-over World Cup,” he said on India News.

The former Indian wicketkeeper stated that Shardul Thakur might lose his place against Hardik Pandya because he is not the main bowler in ODIs. Hardik Pandya has stronger all-around abilities and can bat in the middle order.

“He is a very useful player. But Hardik Pandya is a batting all-rounder, while Shardul Thakur is a bowling all-rounder. That’s a big difference. We can surely groom Shardul. But I don’t see him becoming India’s No.1 of No.2 bowler in white-ball cricket. He can only play as a third seamer. If he can bat well, it will be an added advantage,” he said.

Also read: IND vs SA: Shahbaz Ahmed Can Replace Ruturaj Gaikwad Or Ishan Kishan – Wasim Jaffer Ahead Of 2nd ODI Against South Africa