ICC World Cup 2019: Is Shikhar Dhawan India's trump card?
In less than 100 days, the world will be gripped in cricket fever as the ICC World Cup 2019 kicks off in England. India, being one of the favorites to lift the title, are in the hunt for their ideal team. One player who could make an impact is Shikhar Dhawan. Will Dhawan be India's trump card in the tournament? We analyze.
Consistent performance in ODIs a big plus
Dhawan has featured regularly for India across all formats in the last couple of years. With ODIs being his favorite format, he has cemented his spot as an opener, along with Rohit Sharma. Although he hasn't been consistent in Tests and T20Is, the World Cup would certainly suit his style. His understanding with Sharma makes them of the most successful pairs in world cricket.
Dhawan is at a different level in ODIs
Dhawan has scored a total of 5,343 runs from 126 innings at a healthy average of 44.90, including 16 tons and 27 half-centuries. His top score is 143. Considering his records since World Cup 2015, he has 2,836 runs, to his name, in 66 matches at an average of 45.74, including eight centuries. The above numbers clearly prove he has been unstoppable in ODIs.
Dhawan always delivers in England and ICC tournaments
Dhawan has a special love for England when it comes to white-ball cricket. In 17 ODIs here, he has scored 976 runs at an average of 65.06, including three centuries. Talking about his performance in the ICC tournaments, he has scored 1,113 runs in 18 matches. With the ICC World Cup being hosted by England, fans would expect to see match-winning performances by Dhawan.
Gabbar also loves playing against Proteas
Another team against whom Dhawan loves playing in the ICC tournaments is South Africa. In three matches, he has 329 runs at a monstrous average of 109.66, including two centuries. Considering India's flaky middle-order and Dhawan's ODI records, it would not be an exaggeration to say if India have to win the coveted tournament in 2019, Dhawan has to be at his best.
