Shikhar Dhawan Endorses India's Squad And Rohit Sharma For T20 World Cup 2024

Shikhar Dhawan Backs Indian Team for T20 World Cup 2024

Shikhar Dhawan has expressed confidence in the Indian cricket team, led by Rohit Sharma, to secure the T20 World Cup 2024 trophy. The veteran opener praised Sharma's leadership and described the squad as balanced.

Dhawan also discussed the Impact Substitute rule, which has resulted in high-scoring matches in IPL 2024. He noted that achieving such high totals would be challenging in the T20 World Cup, scheduled to be held in the USA and the West Indies, due to the absence of this rule.

The Impact Substitute rule allows teams to include an extra batter or bowler, contributing to higher scores in IPL 2024. Totals exceeding 250 have been recorded eight times this season.

"All bases have been covered. The team looks balanced and India have got a very good chance (of winning the title)," Shikhar Dhawan told PTI.

"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.

The high scores have reignited discussions about balancing bat and ball, as IPL conditions generally favour batters. "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," said Dhawan, who will host a TV show 'Dhawan Karenge' on Jio Cinema.

Dhawan acknowledged Punjab Kings had a disappointing run in IPL this year, failing to make the playoffs for the 10th consecutive year.

The experienced left-handed batter entered 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 heavily impact teams.

"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.