IND vs WI: Mayank Agarwal replaces Shikhar Dhawan for ODI series
India have selected Mayank Agarwal to replace injured opener Shikhar Dhawan for the upcoming three-match ODI series against West Indies at home. BCCI issued a media release containing following statement – “The BCCI Medical Team feels that while Dhawan’s stitches are off and his wound is healing gradually, he still needs some more time before he regains full match fitness”. MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai will host the first ODI on December 15.
Dhawan’s worries
India’s premier opener suffered a deep cut on his left knee during a Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy match against Maharashtra in Surat. Dhawan was subsequently ruled out of the ongoing T20I series versus West Indies. The 34-year old had struggled with the bat in domestic cricket as well and his declining form at the top was a major concern for the Indian team. The Gabbar will be hopeful bouncing back quickly in the Indian playing XI.
We Fall, We Break, but then…We Rise. We heal and we overcome, and the only thing you have control over is how you respond to any situation. Here’s to being positive and happy in every situation that life throws at you. Will be back in action in 4-5 days ? pic.twitter.com/0XDHRXMSeP
— Shikhar Dhawan (@SDhawan25) November 21, 2019
Mayank Agarwal set for white-ball debut
Kerala’s wicketkeeper-batsman Sanju Samson replaced Dhawan in the T20I series but is yet to feature in a game. Now, Mayank Agarwal is all set to play as an opener in the ODI series. Agarwal earned a place in the Test side on the back of his stunning run tally in domestic cricket. He has enjoyed a blazing start to his Test career with three centuries and three half-centuries in nine Test matches. Agarwal will be hoping to replicate his red-ball form in the ODI series as well.
The three-match T20I series is currently locked at 1-1 as the West Indies won the second T20I by eight wickets in Thiruvananthapuram after India recorded a six-wicket win in the opening match in Hyderabad. Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai will host the decider today (11th December).
