Ind vs SL: Indian Fans Unhappy With Omission of Shikhar Dhawan From ODI Team

India will play three ODIs against Sri Lanka in January 2023.

Veteran opening batter, Shikhar Dhawan has been left out of the Indian team for the upcoming ODI series against Sri Lanka, in a move which was not supported by a section of the fans.

Dhawan had a disappointing outing in the three match ODI series against Bangladesh, failing to reach double-digits on a single occasion. That being said, he was entrusted with the captain's role for most of India's ODI expeditions this year, with the big guns being rested keeping the T20 World Cup 2022 in mind.

But only one half-century in his last 11 ODI matches, coupled with six single-digit scores, has given Dhawan the axe from the ODI side for the series against Sri Lanka.

A section of the Indian fans, however, have expressed their disappointment about the decision on Twitter, given the reliability Dhawan has provided the ODI team with for years

Here is how some fans reacted to the news:

So #ShikharDhawan is suddenly not needed? Or is he injured? Is this the ‘plan’ for the next World Cup?

Wasn’t he not only a permanent fixture in this ODI squad but also leading them? 🤔

Answers? Anyone? 🤯 https://t.co/d6tx8fH6Mw

— Tanay Tiwari (@Tanay_Tiwari) December 27, 2022

Does this mean it’s the end of the road for Shikhar Dhawan as an international cricketer? He was a mighty-fine ODI batter and won India many a games and tournaments. It’s really unfortunate if his career ends in this fashion #DoddaMathu #CricketTwitter

— Dodda Ganesh | ದೊಡ್ಡ ಗಣೇಶ್ (@doddaganesha) December 27, 2022

Sad to see Dhawan’s career end like this. He never really looked in touch after that injury in world cup vs AUS. Had a great time watching him play (2013-23)
ODI legend pic.twitter.com/0dCbmXQ5kQ

— Titu (@TituTweets_) December 27, 2022

End of legendary opening duo
Unfair 💔💔💔💔💔💔😭🥹#dhawan pic.twitter.com/8oUpoproGz

— Aman🇮🇳❤️➐ (@Hitmannn13) December 27, 2022

2013-2022, 9 glorious years! a part of our childhood goes away with these little changes. Dhawan, your contribution will always be remembered.

though i still feel it’s a bit unfair :/ pic.twitter.com/T4uYGIWeDM

— Muskan🔱 (@oyemuskaan_) December 28, 2022

Shikhar Dhawan in ODIs since 2020 - 33 innings, 1275 runs, 42.6 average. He has the most runs scorer for India since 2020 in ODIs & 2nd best average in ODIs, min 1000 runs. He has been Brilliant for India over a decade. Hope Shikhar make a strong comeback in India's ODI team.

— Ishika Pandey (@Ishika_Pandey45) December 28, 2022

India's squad for Sri Lanka ODIs: Rohit Sharma (Captain), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wk), Ishan Kishan (wk), Hardik Pandya (VC), Washington Sundar, Yuzvendra Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, Mohd. Shami, Mohd. Siraj, Umran Malik, Arshdeep Singh.