India’s limited-overs opener Shikhar Dhawan announced his comeback to first-class cricket in style as he struck a century for Delhi against Hyderabad in the third round of Ranji Trophy. Dhawan brought his 25th century in this format off 147 balls. He hadn’t played a first-class fixture for 15 months and has sent a timely reminder to the next selection panel that he still hopes to make a comeback in Test cricket.
Also Read: Cost of Pat Cummins’ one delivery will blow your mind – check out
Dhawan last played Test cricket on the tour of England in 2018. After falling in the first Test, he was kept out of playing XI for the second game but was backed for the next three Tests before being dropped for the home series against West Indies.
Dhawan, in 2018/19, opted against playing Ranji Trophy and concentrated on his white-ball game ahead of the World Cup 2019. On the eve the ongoing fixture, Dhawan had expressed desire to play Test cricket and has put the right foot forward.
Also Read: Ashok Dinda dropped from Ranji Trophy squad for abusing coach
However, the Delhi captain will not be available for the upcoming fixtures as he will join the national squad for three T20Is against Sri Lanka and three ODIs against Australia. He will then travel to New Zealand in January and February. Although Dhawan will be available for Delhi if the team makes it to the knockouts.
Riding on his century, Delhi are 208/5 after 50 overs.
Meanwhile, the century against Hyderabad also cleared doubts of Dhawan’s fitness. The opening batsman had been out of action for a month due to knee injury that he suffered during Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, which forced him to miss West Indies series.
Upon his return, he is set to open the innings with KL Rahul in Sri Lanka T20Is but might have to sit out of Australia ODIs as Rohit Sharma is a part of the squad. Dhawan’s and Rahul’s performances in the three T20Is will largely impact their participation in ODIs.