IPL 2019: Dhawan could unite with Rohit at Mumbai Indians
What's the story
Shikhar Dhawan has been one of the mainstays of Sunrisers Hyderabad over the years in the Indian Premier League. The southpaw has scored consistently atop for the Orange Army and is a senior member of the side. He has complimented David Warner and Kane Williamson well. But now things could change. Three-time champions Mumbai Indians are in talks with SRH to acquire Dhawan.
SRH
Dhawan isn't happy at SRH, claims report
According to a report in Mumbai Mirror, Dhawan isn't happy with the management. He was dejected after not being one of the three players who were retained for the 2018 season. The reason was that it could have helped him fetch a higher fee. Further, the southpaw is believed to have been involved in an argument with coach Tom Moody.
Situation
Dhawan unhappy after not being among top earners
Dhawan saw himself being bought by SRH for Rs. 5.2 crore in the 2018 auction. The franchise used their 'Right to Match' card for the Indian opener. Several regulars such as David Warner (Rs. 12.5 crore), Manish Pandey (Rs. 11 crore), Rashid Khan (Rs. 9 crore) and Bhuvneshwar Kumar (Rs. 8.5 crore), got a better deal than southpaw in the auction.
IPL 2019
SRH open to trade Dhawan
The report also adds that MI skipper Rohit Sharma is keen to have Dhawan in the side. An official of SRH stated that the franchise is open to trade Dhawan and are in talks with MI. Besides Rohit's team, the likes of Kings XI Punjab and Delhi Daredevils are also monitoring the situation. The first IPL trading window is currently open.
MI
Getting Dhawan would make opening options packed for MI
Yesterday, reports came in that swashbuckling batsman Quinton de Kock has been roped in by MI from RCB. The top-order batsman is set to add more depth for the side atop. MI have a variety of options with Evin Lewis, Suryakumar Yadav and now Quinton de Kock in the mix. Getting Dhawan will add another option. They will be spoiled for choices.
Duo
Rohit and Dhawan have been terrific together
Rohit and Dhawan have been the pillars of the Indian team in ODIs since many years now. These two have added 3,881 runs in 83 matches for India and are set to topple former legends Sachin Tendulkar and Virender Sehwag (3,919 runs). The pair have also added 1,138 runs as an opening pair in T20Is. No wonder Dhawan is a hot property for MI.
Talking point
If Dhawan comes in, will Rohit start opening for MI?
Rohit generally prefers to come in the middle order for MI in the IPL. He has done the same in the last couple of years. But if Dhawan comes in, will we see him go back to opening once again? The duo could set things on fire for MI and Rohit could shuffle his position. This means a lot could change for Mumbai Indians.