My Focus Is Definitely On 2023 WC: Dhawan Ahead Of 1st ODI vs England
Mumbai: Ahead of the first India-England ODI, India opener Shikhar Dhawan said he has been practising for England ODIs and he’s sure he’ll be in fine rhythm in coming matches. The 36-year-old is still a prominent part of the ODI team setup despite falling out of favour in other formats.
Dhawan has been one of the most consistent performers when it comes to ODI cricket. He has scored eight fifties in the format since 2020 and has also excelled in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
The left-handed batsman, who returned to the team after five months, is expected to rejoin Rohit Sharma’s top order for the upcoming ODI series against England.
Claiming that his focus is on the 2023 ODI World Cup, which will be hosted by India, Dhawan said in an interview with The Telegraph, “My focus is definitely on next year’s World Cup and for that, I want to play as many matches as possible for India and do well there. In between, there will be the IPL as well, so I will try to do well there and also look to play the domestic one day and T20 matches.”
Stating that he is well prepared for the ODIs against England, the 36-year-old said, “I understand the need to prepare well before the tour, so I focus on my core and my way of preparation. I had been practising for quite some time for the England ODIs and I’m sure I’ll be in fine rhythm in the coming matches.”
The Delhi-born player will lead India for the second time after being named as captain for the ODI series against West Indies, beginning on July 22.
Team India will take on England in the first ODI of the three-match series later today (July 12) at The Oval. Dhawan has recorded three centuries and averages 110.75 in the historic ground.
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