Shikhar Dhawan, India’s veteran batsman, says he was “not offended” when he was dismissed as skipper for the ODI series against Zimbabwe earlier this year.
Dhawan was selected captain for the three matches in Harare, but KL Rahul replaced him after making his way back into the side.
Shikhar Dhawan on being removed as captain
A three-match ODI series between India and New Zealand, captained by Kane Williamson, is set to begin on Friday, November 25. Shikhar Dhawan, the stand-in captain for the Men in Blue during the ODI portion of the tour after being relieved of his duties just before the Zimbabwe series earlier this year, explained his position ahead of the much-anticipated series.
The management made last-minute alterations to the captaincy and gave it to KL Rahul for the Zimbabwe series that was played in August of this year. Dhawan was originally scheduled to captain the team. When questioned by a journalist prior to the ODI series against the Kiwis, the seasoned southpaw expressed his opinion that he was “not saddened” after being relieved of the position.
“You have asked a good question. I consider myself fortunate that I am getting an opportunity to lead the side at this stage of my career. I feel good about it and it is a challenge. We have won good series with a young side,” Dhawan said.
“If I talk about the Zimbabwe tour, KL Rahul is the vice-captain of our main team, when he came back, I was mindful of the fact that he had to go to Asia Cup. If Rohit had gotten injured during Asia Cup, then KL might have been asked to lead. So, it was better that he had the practice during the Zimbabwe tour,” he added.
“I was not hurt. I feel that whatever happens, happens for the best. I was then selected as the captain for the South Africa series, the selectors and the team management gave me that opportunity. I never feel bad,” he further added.
Dhawan will now serve as the team’s captain for the third time this year, having previously done so during the West Indies ODI series and the subsequent home ODI series against South Africa.
