Shikhar Dhawan's Dream XI: 'Virat Kohli is the best batter in world'

Dubai: India batter Shikhar Dhawan termed teammate and former captain Virat Kohli as the "best batter in the world" as he named five players he would pick if he was selecting a dream XI for this year's ICC Men's Cricket World Cup.

Dhawan is regarded as a fine white-ball player and some of his best performances for the World Cup, with three of his 17 ODI centuries coming at the showcase 50-over event.

Virat Kohli: The Undisputed Champion

Dhawan did not hesitate to endorse Virat Kohli as the "best batter in the world." Kohli's consistent performance and insatiable hunger for runs make him an automatic choice for Dhawan. Having been an integral part of the Indian cricket squad for years, Kohli's inclusion was a matter of course. Dhawan remarked, "He [Kohli] is the best batter in the world and has been scoring runs like crazy."

Rohit Sharma: The Veteran Big-Stage Player

Another Indian stalwart, Rohit Sharma, found a place in Dhawan's dream XI. Recognizing Rohit's experience and track record in ICC tournaments and bilateral series, Dhawan praised him as a "very experienced customer." Dhawan's faith in Rohit's ability to perform on the grandest stage underlines his crucial role in the lineup.

Mitchell Starc: The Pace Sensation

Dhawan's choices extended beyond his compatriots. He lauded Australia's star pacer, Mitchell Starc, who emerged as the leading wicket-taker in the 2019 World Cup with an impressive tally of 27 wickets. Dhawan's optimism about Starc's potential impact at the 2023 tournament was evident as he declared, "I'll go for Mitchell Starc as he is one of the best fast bowlers."

Rashid Khan: The Sub-Continental Spinner

Considering the unique challenges posed by sub-continental pitches, Dhawan's fourth pick was Afghanistan's star spinner, Rashid Khan. Dhawan believed that Rashid's mystery spin would be well-suited to conditions in the region. "The fourth player will be Rashid Khan with his mystery action. I am sure he'll be very, very impactful (in India) and will take lots of wickets," Dhawan explained.

Kagiso Rabada: The Express Pace and Bounce

To complete his dream XI, Dhawan opted for South African speedster Kagiso Rabada. Deliberating over the balance of the team, Dhawan ruled out taking two left-arm pacers and instead favoured Rabada's exceptional pace and bounce. Dhawan's assessment of Rabada as a wicket-taking threat underlines the strategic thinking behind his choices.

As the anticipation builds for the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023, Shikhar Dhawan's dream XI offers insights into the mindset of a seasoned cricketer. His selections, driven by a mix of talent, experience, and strategic considerations, set the stage for what promises to be an enthralling cricket spectacle.