Lucknow: Team India is coming off a 2-1 T20I series victory against South Africa and now a second-string Indian squad led by Shikhar Dhawan would compete against the Temba Bavuma-led Proteas side in a 3-match ODI series.
Team India’s T20 World Cup squad is set to fly to Australia to prepare for the World Cup down under.
The series is quite crucial from a South African point of view as they are a little low on points as compared to the other major teams.
However, Shikhar Dhawan has made it clear that the series holds great value for him as well. He wants to be in a good frame of mind for the 50-over World Cup in 2023.
The Indian skipper for the three-match ODI series addressed the media on the eve of the first match. He said “My goal currently is the 2023 World Cup. I just want to keep myself fit and be in a good state of mind to be in the fray.”
The ODI squad consist of many new faces like Rajat Patidar and Rahul Tripathi and they would have a great exposure while playing under the leadership of Dhawan.
Dhawan was excited to help the young guys and said it is his responsibility to help them. He said “”I feel very blessed I had a beautiful career. I am really grateful. Whenever possible I pass on my knowledge to youngsters. Now there is new responsibility on me but I see opportunity in challenges and I enjoy it”
The series is an opportunity for the young guys to prove themselves and for Shikhar Dhawan to get that shot at the 2023 ODI World Cup Squad.