Shikhar Dhawan says ODI series to serve preparation for T20 World Cup standbys

Shreyas Iyer and Deepak Chahar are among the standbys (PC: Twitter)

Indian players, under Rohit Sharma, have set voyage to Australia for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2022. A separate set of players, however, have set their base at Lucknow for the opening ODI of their three-game home series against South Africa.

Three standby players for the main event ‘Down Under’, namely Deepak Chahar, Shreyas Iyer and Ravi Bishnoi, are among those in India for the three-ODI challenge against the Proteas. Speaking ahead of the series, interim skipper Shikhar Dhawan has claimed that the ODI contests will serve as a testing setup for the standby players ahead of the big tournament in Australia.

Shikhar Dhawan talks about team ahead of ODIs

Shikhar Dhawan emphasises importance of SA ODIs

Opening batsman Shikhar Dhawan recently highlighted the importance of the ODI series against South Africa. Citing the example of India’s T20 World Cup standby players, the interim captain claimed that the series will help them get into a better groove and mindset before the tournament.

The legendary batsman also said that the series might even help the three standby cricketers, if they get a chance in the starting XI in Australia. Dhawan said:

“Of course, it is very important because the more matches they (standby players) are going to play, they will be in better groove and better mindset. If the boys perform well, then obviously the confidence will help them. Who knows they might get a chance so they can look at this series as preparation.”

The first of the three ODIs will be played in Lucknow on October 6. The series will conclude on October 11, while India’s T20 World Cup campaign will commence with a high-profile clash against arch-rivals Pakistan on October 23.

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