As Team India prepares for its inaugural match in the 2023 World Cup against Australia on October 8, cricket fans worldwide are buzzing with excitement. While the squad boasts star players like Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah, Hardik Pandya, Shubman Gill, and the captain himself, Rohit Sharma, one name that won't be seen on the field this year is Shikhar Dhawan.
Dhawan, a veteran opener with a remarkable cricketing career, lost his spot in the Indian squad last year, with young talent Shubman Gill stepping into the left-hander's shoes. Despite being sidelined from international cricket for a considerable period, Shikhar Dhawan has maintained a positive and cheerful public persona.
On Thursday, the affable opener extended his warm wishes to Team India as they embark on their journey in the World Cup, taking to his official social media account to convey his message of support. Dhawan wrote, "Chak De India! 🇮🇳 Let's paint the world blue, boys! All the best on your World Cup journey. Bring that trophy home! #TeamIndia #WorldCup2023."
This message from Dhawan, who had been a vital part of India's last two World Cup campaigns, resonates with fans and teammates alike. His injury during the 2019 World Cup had dealt a significant blow to the team, contributing to India's semi-final defeat to New Zealand.
Shikhar Dhawan's international career spans 167 ODIs, and his absence from the ODI format is keenly felt by many cricket enthusiasts. It's worth noting that Dhawan was already out of contention for spots in T20Is and Tests prior to his exclusion from ODIs. His last T20I appearance was in July 2021 against Sri Lanka, while his last Test match was over five years ago against England.
Aside from his professional challenges, Shikhar Dhawan has faced personal issues related to his estranged wife, Ayesha. Recently, a Delhi family court granted Dhawan's request for a divorce from Ayesha, citing cruelty as the grounds for the decree. This chapter in his personal life has undoubtedly added to the challenges the cricketer has faced in recent times.
As India's cricketing journey in the 2023 World Cup unfolds, Dhawan's message of encouragement serves as a reminder of his enduring love and support for the team. While he may not be on the field this time, his legacy and warm wishes continue to inspire and uplift Team India and its devoted fanbase.
