#IndiaInAustralia: Is Shikhar Dhawan in for a shocking Test return?
The Indian cricket team is in a position of bother regarding the opening situation in the ongoing Test series against Australia. The series is tied at 1-1 at the moment, with two more matches to be played. The likes of Murali Vijay and KL Rahul have faltered. India called up Mayank Agarwal to the squad and now there is a mystery surrounding Shikhar Dhawan.
Dhawan spotted in Indian team hotel
According to a report in the Mumbai Mirror, the southpaw was spotted at the Indian team hotel in Melbourne. Dhawan was seen with his training kits. Although Dhawan has shifted base to Melbourne with his family, his appearance at the hotel has caused a speculation. There have been talks circulating that the player may be in contention for a return.
The situation for India ahead of MCG Test
India went in with Vijay and Rahul for the first two Tests. This came after Prithvi Shaw was injured ahead of the first Test earlier this month. Shaw got ruled out of the series and Mayank was drafted in. India will have a decision to make in the upcoming Boxing Day Test. Will we see Mayank making his debut? Who will be partnering him?
Dhawan has been poor in Tests outside home in 2018
Dhawan has been poor in Test matches outside the subcontinent this year. He was dropped after a dismal series against England. Dhawan is averaging just 19.4 in Test cricket outside India this year. He has played just 5 Tests and has managed to amass only 194 runs. The same player has thrived in T20Is and ODI cricket. It remains to be seen what happens.
Vijay and Rahul have been dismal
Vijay has managed just 49 runs in the first two Tests. Meanwhile, Rahul has got just 48 to his tally across 4 innings. So there is a huge issue for India as far the openers are concerned. Mayank should definitely get a chance in the third Test. He has been in scintillating form in domestic cricket. But will Kohli opt for him?
Kohli's views on openers Vijay and Rahul
"You just have to keep backing them and keep telling them that they belong and are good enough to perform. I am sure these guys have figured what has gone wrong in this game, and they are very keen to correct it themselves," said Kohli.
