Experienced batsman Shikhar Dhawan has disclosed that he would opt for teammate Virat Kohli as his top pick while assembling an ideal ODI XI for the upcoming World Cup. Dhawan also unveiled his remaining four selections for the team as the anticipation builds for the prestigious tournament set to kick off in India on October 5th.
With a strong history in World Cups, Dhawan boasts an impressive average of 53.70 across ten matches, having scored three centuries in the tournament. Given his remarkable track record that is surpassed by only a few in the realm of 50-over cricket, Kohli was the clear and inevitable selection.
With a staggering tally of 46 centuries, he stands as the possessor of the second-highest number of hundreds in ODIs, having accumulated nearly 13,000 runs at a remarkable average of 57.32. At 34 years of age, King Kohli’s credentials also shine brightly on the World Cup stage, with more than 1,000 runs across 26 matches, maintaining an average of 46.81 and achieving two centuries.
During the ICC Review, Dhawan made his initial selections, choosing his long-standing Indian comrades Kohli and Rohit as his first two preferences. “The initial choice is Virat, undoubtedly. He stands as the supreme batsman globally, consistently amassing runs. Rohit holds extensive experience. He has demonstrated his prowess by accumulating runs in ICC tournaments and bilateral series; he’s proven himself on the grand stage,” Dhawan conveyed.
Rohit and Dhawan forged an extraordinary partnership in ODIs, securing the fourth position on the all-time leaderboard for most runs in opening partnerships, tallying 5,148 runs at an impressive average of 45.55.
The Indian captain also holds a remarkable performance history in the 50-over configuration, amassing nearly 10,000 runs at a mean of 48.69. Additionally, Rohit stands alone as the sole batsman to have achieved three double centuries in ODIs, maintaining an average of 65.20 across 17 World Cup matches. Notably, he secured an unparalleled five centuries in the 2019 tournament.