After missing nearly two years of action, former India opener Shikhar Dhawan announced his retirement from international cricket in 2024. At least in the One-Day Internationals (ODIs), Shubman Gill has replaced Dhawan as India’s chosen opening batsman, and his records speak for themselves.
Gill has scored 2734 runs at a remarkable average of 62.13 in 52 ODIs thus far, including eight hundreds and fifteen half-centuries. In January 2023, in Trivandrum, the Punjab batsman achieved a double hundred in the format against Sri Lanka. Together with partner and captain Rohit Sharma, Gill has shown to be the ideal combination, scoring 1976 runs in 31 innings at an average of 65.86, with six partnerships of 100 or more.
Dhawan, meantime, has boasted that he enjoys watching Shubman Gill bat and that he finds his style of play to be elegant and sophisticated. The Delhi native believes that Rohit’s ability to be frank with new players is also benefiting the squad because the younger hitters benefit from the experience and are developed more quickly in these circumstances.
I really think Shubman Gill’s batting is amazing; it’s elegant and sophisticated. Additionally, there is consistency, and it is pleasing to observe the high level of professionalism. There are young boys who are making back-to-back runs and know how to perform their roles well. He has a bright future and a wonderful present for India. Rohit must be sharing his many years of experience with the children he likes to play with. He must be giving them a pat on the back and instructing them on how to play in certain scenarios. These minor exchanges are crucial,” Dhawan stated through JioHotstar.
Harshit Rana has a fantastic opportunity while Bumrah is away: Shikhar Dhawan
India has a bowler in Jasprit Bumrah who can open with some explosive spells and hit immediately, much like Gill’s value as an opener with the bat. However, Bumrah had to leave the competition due to a back injury just before the current ICC Champions Trophy 2025, giving rookie pacer Harshit Rana the opportunity. Despite the vacuum left by Bumrah’s absence in the dressing room, Dhawan believes that Rana’s intensity and desire will benefit the Men in Blue early on.
Regarding Harshit Rana’s opportunity to succeed in Jasprit Bumrah’s absence, Shikhar Dhawan “Jasprit Bumrah is a very well-known bowler. There, he consistently delivers excellent performances. His presence was obviously greatly missed. I really believe that his presence is crucial, regardless of what others may say. The platform is excellent for Harshit Rana. I appreciate how he takes wickets, and he is aggressive and passionate. He has a great opportunity with Virat’s help and Rohit’s supervision. He ought to take all he can from them and seize this chance.
On Sunday, March 02, Rana and Gill are scheduled to play in India’s last league stage match against New Zealand. Both teams, who have already advanced to the semi-finals, will gain confidence from the encounter, which will take place at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium in Dubai.
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