As the Indian Premier League (IPL) continues in its full swing, the Indian Cricket Team management will have a close look at the matches with the ICC T20 World Cup looming large. As it looks, Shikhar Dhawan is slowly edging past KL Rahul to be Rohit Sharma’s partner at the top for the mega event scheduled to take place in India later this year.
Meanwhile, ahead of the IPL, the team management seemed clear about the combinations they want to go at the top of the order in the shortest format. Shikhar Dhawan’s place was in doubt as he was dropped after the failure in 1st T20I of the five-match series against England. KL Rahul and Rohit Sharma were preferred to open. But Rahul had also struck poor form then and was eventually left out for the deciding fifth T20I with Virat Kohli opening the innings with Rohit.
While Virat Kohli has still backed KL Rahul to open the innings, Shikhar Dhawan is making some noises in the ongoing IPL. The southpaw currently holds the Orange Cap with 186 runs at a stunning strike-rate of 163.15 with two half-centuries to his name. On Sunday, Dhawan was in superlative form leading Delhi Capitals with a 92-run knock to chase down 196 runs set by Punjab Kings.
Shikhar Dhawan joins race for T20 World Cup
On the other hand, Punjab skipper KL Rahul scored 61 runs but consumed 51 deliveries for that. His strike-rate, like last year, has once again come under the scanner as many believed the captain should’ve played quicker on a flat pitch. His strike-rate, much like IPL 2020, has been making the headlines. He went into a shell against Delhi Capitals and never managed to come out of it.
As Delhi Capitals chased down the target convincingly, many felt Rahul’s slugging knock made the difference. Had he batted aggressively, Punjab Kings were on course to post a total above 220 runs. For the same reason, fans are again demanding now to have Shikhar Dhawan in India’s T20 World Cup squad as an opener instead of KL Rahul.
Here is how they reacted:
Dhawan>>>Rahul
In T20 World Cup…
As a opener🙏🙏— Vijay Kumar (@Ajaydevgnfan_11) April 18, 2021
If things continue the same way and KL Rahul doesn't bat normally, India should reward Dhawan with a place in the T20I side as a third opener over this guy.
Statpadding to 600+ runs every season, but at what cost? Can recall 3-4 match-losing innings from him since last IPL
— Chiggy Viggy (@IdlySambhar) April 19, 2021
KL rahul trying his best to make his case as opener in indian team very difficult while Dhawan is playing with utmost freedom & high strike rate as he grows older… It's now upto KL in upcoming matches to make his case strong or else he will definitely be replaced by dhawan
— jay rawat (@Jay_rawat99) April 19, 2021
KL Rahul: "SR is Overrated."
Dhawan: "I knew I have to improve on that (strike rate). Started taking more risks.Not scared of getting out as well."
Forget skillset. Dhawan should be India's 1st choice opener just for his mentality.#PBKSvDC | #IPL2021
— Prasenjit Dey (@CricPrasen) April 18, 2021
Even when Dhawan has consistently well, he is always pressurised to do well. He does not get backed by the team management the way KL Rahul gets. If Dhawan gets the same backing, he will surely replicate this performance in T20I also. Just need to back him up a little
— KESHAV (@keshavk789) April 19, 2021
At this rate, KL Rahul shall loss his place to Dhawan for coming T20 world cup#IPL2021
— Sandeep kollolath (@Sandeepkollolat) April 18, 2021
https://twitter.com/StrikerOp17/status/1383836040314589198?s=20
https://twitter.com/Cricrush1/status/1383835934328639493?s=20
Respected sir 🙏 jab international cricket me opening krne ki baat aati hai to aap Rahul and Rohit ko hi behtar btate ho Jbki Dhawan has proved his mettle so many times, Dhawan ka place bhi secure nhi h upcoming T twenty world cup me,jbki WC jaise events me experience batsman ki https://t.co/2Q5R7oZ6fq
— DIVYANSHU MISHRA (@Divyazad129) April 19, 2021
