Shikhar needs to score big to grab T20 WC spot: Agarkar

Dhawan, 35, has played only one game of the T20I series against England last March in which he scored four. He was left out for the remaining four games. Later, he scored 169 in the three-match ODI series versus England

Opener Shikhar Dhawan is set to lead India for the first time in the ODI and T20I series in Sri Lanka starting with the 50-over game in Colombo on July 18. 
However, former India pacer Ajit Agarkar cautioned the left-hander about stiff competition from Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul to open the innings in the T20 World Cup scheduled to begin in the United Arab Emirates on October 17.

Worry for Dhawan?

“Shikhar will have to get runs, if he wants to get that spot back in T20 cricket. There is so much fire power later on in the batting that Rahul has been opening in white-ball cricket. Virat Kohli also wants to open, which I don’t somehow see at this point with Rohit and Rahul both available. That makes Shikhar’s spot even more worrisome. Even if India win the series 6-0 [in Lanka] in the white-ball cricket, as far as the batting is concerned, it is the runs that will matter [for Dhawan],” Agarkar said during a virtual media interaction on Tuesday.

Ajit Agarkar. Pic/Suresh Karkera

After three ODIs, India will lock horns against the hosts in three T20Is at the same venue from July 25. Dhawan, 35, has played only one game of the T20I series against England last March in which he scored four. He was left out for the remaining four games. Later, he scored 169 in the three-match ODI series versus England.

“At this point, certainly Rohit and Rahul are ahead of Shikhar [as opener] in my opinion. Rahul had a very average T20 series against England [15 runs in four T20Is and 177 in three ODIs], but otherwise his form has been exceptional in white-ball cricket. Look it’s a very curious case, you almost felt like those two had overtaken Shikhar, but he keeps scoring runs and making a case and that keeps putting pressure on the likes of Rahul. Rohit is vice-captain of the white-ball team so there is no doubt about his place,” remarked Agarkar, who claimed 349 international wickets.

Dhawan has scored 5,977 runs in 142 ODIs, while he has amassed 1,673 runs in 65 T20Is. Rahul has 1,509 runs in 38 ODIs and 1,557 in 49 T20I matches.

‘A bit surprised’

About Dhawan leading the Indian side, Agarkar said: “As far as the captaincy is concerned, I am a bit surprised to be honest. But having looked at the team, I think they [selectors] probably went with the seniormost or experienced guy in the team. It’s an honour at this stage of Shikhar’s career to get that chance to lead India.”

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