NZ vs IND 2022: Shikhar Dhawan is a very important player in ODIs – Wasim Jaffer

Former Indian opener Wasim Jaffer has rated Shikhar Dhawan as a very important player in ODI cricket for the national team. Dhawan now only plays the 50-overs version and he has been a consistent performer for the team.

The left-hander has performed brilliantly in the ICC major events and he is going to be a crucial cog in India’s campaign in the 2023 ODI World Cup.

The 36-year-old from Delhi has amassed 6672 runs in 161 ODI matches at an average of 45.08 and a strike rate of 91.79.

Dhawan will lead India in the three-match ODI series against New Zealand and he will look to get the best out of his players.

Jaffer said on ESPN Cricinfo, “I think he is a very important player. If you look at Team India’s past performances, Dhawan, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have made big contributions, and one of these has scored big runs in crucial innings.”

He continued: “He has 17 One Day hundreds. He knows the format very well. He’s got the captaincy responsibility lately, but I am witnessing him starting his innings with a laid-back approach.”

Dhawan has said he is focused on keeping himself fit for the next year’s World Cup and he will look to deliver the goods for the team.

On the other hand, Umran Malik is also part of the Indian squad for the ODI series against New Zealand. Jaffer feels the Jammu and Kashmir gun fast bowler is best suited for the ODI format.

“I think Umran Malik is better suited for this format compared to T20.”

Malik has impressed with his raw pace and it will be interesting to note if he makes his debut against the Blackcaps.

The first ODI will be played at McLean Park, Auckland on Friday.

India ODI squad for New Zealand tour: Shikhar Dhawan (C), Rishabh Pant (vc & wk), Shubman Gill, Deepak Hooda, Suryakumar Yadav, Shreyas Iyer, Sanju Samson (wk), Washington Sundar, Shardul Thakur, Shahbaz Ahmed, Yuzvendra Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Deepak Chahar, Kuldeep Sen, Umran Malik.