Shikhar Dhawan Missing New Zealand Tour Due to Shoulder Injury

Shikhar Dhawan, a key player for the Indian cricket team, is facing a significant setback in his upcoming schedule. Due to a severe shoulder injury he sustained during the last One Day International (ODI) match against Australia, Dhawan will not be traveling for the upcoming series against New Zealand.

Impact of Injury on Performance

The injury, which has notably hindered Dhawan's performance, has led to his exclusion from both the T20I and ODI squads. This exclusion means that Sanju Samson and Prithvi Shaw have been selected as his replacements in these formats.

Details on the Injury and Future Outlook

Shikhar Dhawan was checked by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and is expected to undergo further medical evaluations starting from February. The severity of the injury means that Dhawan will be taking a break from active participation in international cricket for an extended period.

Replacements for Dhawan

For the upcoming series against New Zealand, Prithvi Shaw and Sanju Samson will step up to fill the void left by Dhawan's injury. Sanju Samson will be included in the T20I squad, while Prithvi Shaw will represent the team in the ODI format.

Reasons Behind Dhawan's Unlucky Streak Against Australia

Interestingly, Shikhar Dhawan's injury has coincided with his participation in the Australia series. In the World Cup in 2019, Dhawan faced a significant injury just before playing against Australia. This trend of getting severely injured whenever he plays against the Australian team has been noted, adding a layer of concern for his future international career.

Implications for India's Cricket Team

The absence of Shikhar Dhawan from the team will have a notable impact on India's cricket team, especially in limited-overs formats. His skill and experience will be missed, especially in crunch situations where he has proven his worth in the past. Sanju Samson and Prithvi Shaw, despite their talents, will need to adapt quickly to fill the gap left by Dhawan.

For fans and cricket enthusiasts, this development marks a challenging period for the Indian team as they prepare to face New Zealand, who have been formidable opponents in recent years. The lineup changes might lead to new strategies and tactics from the team management.

Stay tuned for updates on the Indian cricket team as they prepare for their upcoming matches against New Zealand and the impact of these changes on their performance.