'Strong Squad, All Bases Covered': Shikhar Dhawan's Thoughts on India's T20 World Cup 2024 Squad
Shikhar Dhawan has been out of action for most of the IPL 2024 season due to a shoulder injury.
Shikhar Dhawan reckons that the game of cricket has undergone a lot of change this year but he does not see mindboggling scores being made in the upcoming T20 World Cup like the IPL in the absence of the ‘impact player’ option during the showpiece.
The impact player rule which allows teams to play an extra batter or a bowler is believed to have bolstered the number of high scores being recorded in this IPL, with totals in excess of 250 being recorded as many as eight times.
The bowlers’ misery reignited the debate of creating a balance between the bat and the ball since wickets and conditions in IPL generally tend to favour batters.
Stay updated with the latest from IPL 2024, including top contenders for the IPL 2024 Orange Cap and IPL 2024 Purple Cap. Explore the complete IPL 2024 Schedule, IPL 2024 Points Table and players with the Most Sixes, Most Fours and Most Fifties in IPL 2024
“I feel as if the game itself has changed this year, which is why scores of 250 are being put on. The mindset has certainly changed,” Dhawan told PTI.
“But when you go into the World Cup which won’t have the impact player rule, the impact of it would be seen definitely. That is a differentiator and how we adapt to the conditions is what will matter the most.
“The mindset has changed after the introduction of the impact player. When a batter in the middle knows that there is batting available till number 8 and 9, he is going to take the aggressive route which is why so many high scores are being made,” the aggressive Indian opener, who will host a TV show ‘Dhawan Karenge’ on Jio Cinema, said.
He said India has a strong squad at their disposal for the T20 World Cup in the Americas and that the players enjoy their game under Rohit Sharma.
“All bases have been covered. The team looks balanced and India has got a very good chance (of winning the title),” he said.
“Rohit is a seasoned captain and the boys are very happy and comfortable around him. We have got a very good and experienced side with amazing youngsters and we have a very good chance to win the World Cup,” Dhawan added.
Dhawan acknowledged Punjab Kings had a disappointing run in IPL this year, with the team failing to make the playoffs for the 10th year in a row.
The experienced left-handed batter entered the IPL as Punjab Kings’ skipper but was sidelined due to a shoulder injury he suffered in early April.
Dhawan said losing experienced players to injuries can also impact teams heavily.
“I could play only five matches this year after which I got injured. We had won two matches until then. I stayed with the team and did my rehab, which is something I am doing even now. But the injury is serious and I will be out of action.
“Even the team could not do well. Whenever experienced players get injured, it impacts the team. But the boys gave their everything and it was unfortunate it did not go our way,” Dhawan said.