Former Indian opener Kris Srikkanth stated he won’t pick Shikhar Dhawan for the T20 World Cup if he was the chairman of selectors. Dhawan had missed the T20I series against West Indies due to an injury and he is back for the series against Sri Lanka. However, in Dhawan’s absence, makeshift opener KL Rahul had grabbed his opportunity with both hands.
The flamboyant batsman, Rahul scored 164 runs in the three-match T20I series against West Indies. On the other hand, Shikhar Dhawan’s T20I numbers are not that eye-catching. The southpaw has struggled to force the pace in the shortest format of the game. The left-hander has scored 1504 runs in 58 T20I matches at an average of 27.85 and a strike rate of 128.22. Thus, Dhawan has failed to get quick runs for the side.
Rahul has grabbed his chance in Dhawan’s absence.
On the other hand, KL Rahul has shown more promise while playing in the T20I format. The flamboyant batsman has scored 1138 runs in 34 T20I matches whereas he has struck at an impressive strike rate of 146.46.
Kris Srikkanth said runs against a bleak Sri Lanka doesn’t even count and there is no competition between Dhawan and Rahul.
“Runs against SL don’t count. If I was chairman of selectors, I won’t pick Dhawan in the T20 WC squad. There is no competition between him and Rahul. Only one winner,” Kris Srikkanth said while speaking to Star Sports.
Meanwhile, Rohit Sharma has been rested for the series against Sri Lanka. Consequently, both KL Rahul and Shikhar Dhawan will be seen opening the batting for the Indian team. However, once Rohit will get back into the side, it would be hard to ignore the consistent performances of KL Rahul.
Dhawan has been a full-time opener with Rohit Sharma in the limited-overs format and it would be interesting to see Indian team tactics. Meanwhile, the first T20I between India and Sri Lanka has been abandoned due to rain.
Indian skipper Virat Kohli had won the toss and elected to bowl first but there could not be any action.