The BCCI included Shikhar Dhawan in the 18-member squad that was announced for the ODI series against South Africa. In the absence of Rohit Sharma, he is likely to open with KL Rahul with Virat Kohli batting at number three. This is how the batting line-up should look like, feels Aakash Chopra.

Speaking about Dhawan’s inclusion in the squad, Aakash Chopra said that he wanted to see him in the squad and is happy that the southpaw is a part of the squad.

Shikhar Dhawan Should Open With KL Rahul-Aakash Chopra

“I was repeatedly saying that Shikhar Dhawan should be there. I am so glad that he is there. If Rohit Sharma, Rahul and Shikhar Dhawan were there, then there would surely have been a fight on who would play where” said Chopra.

“Now that he is in the team, in my opinion, he should be the starter. You will see Shikhar Dhawan opening alongside Rahul, that’s what I feel. Kohli plays at three, this is ODI cricket and not Tests, let’s remind ourselves” he further added.

Dhawan has been in excellent form since the 2019 World Cup. He has scored 625 runs in 15 innings since the time at a strike rate of 92 and an average of over 50. Overall, he has amassed 6105 runs at an excellent average of 45.55 in 145 ODIs.

Shikhar Dhawan In Stellar Form In ODIs Since 2019

Shikhar Dhawan's performance in ODIs post World Cup 2019 🙏

Inns: 15
Runs: 625
Avg: 52.1
SR: 92
50+: 6

He is currently 36, and would be almost 38 by the time WC 2023 starts.

Is Gabbar still our first-choice opener in ODIs? 🧐#INDvsSA pic.twitter.com/2ZZVAwjjqp

— Cric8fanatic🏏 (@cric8fanatic) January 1, 2022

Aakash Chopra further lauded Ruturaj Gaikwad for his consistency in domestic cricket which earned him a spot in the ODI series. He emerged as the tournament’s highest run-scorer in the Vijay Hazare Trophy with 603 runs from five matches, including four centuries. He also ended with the Orange Cap in IPL 2021 scoring 635 runs from 16 matches.

Ruturaj Gaikwad Is A Big Story: Aakash Chopra

“Ruturaj Gaikwad – that’s another big story, the sort of performances he has dished out in the IPL and then in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, he is not taking the name of stopping. He has been absolutely sensational.”

However, Chopra is doubtful if the right-hander can make it to the playing Xi ve South Africa.

“His name being there is a thumbs up. It was expected that his name will come but whether he will get a chance to play or not, I have no clue. It is slightly difficult, let’s be honest because KL Rahul, Shikhar Dhawan, Virat Kohli, Iyer, SKY, Pant – there is no place for Ishan Kishan as well. Venkatesh Iyer is also already there down the order.”

The first two ODIs (January 19, 21) will be played in Paarl. Cape Town will host the third ODI on January 23.

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