Shikhar Dhawan’s gesture towards Shoaib Malik floors Pakistan cricket fans

Shikhar Dhawan enquired about Shoaib Malik’s health after he was hit on the head during an ODI between Pakistan and New Zealand in Hamilton on Tuesday.

Indian cricket team opener Shikhar Dhawan became the darling of social media on Thursday for his friendly gesture towards Pakistan cricket team all-rounder Shoaib Malik.

Indian cricket team opener Shikhar Dhawan has earned the praise Pakistani cricket fans. (AP)

Malik, who is part of the Pakistan squad taking on New Zealand in the ongoing five-match One-Day International (ODI) series, was hit on the back of the head by a throw while running between the wickets during the fourth game in Hamilton on Tuesday. Though Malik continued to bat, he did show signs of delayed concussion and decided against taking the field when the hosts were batting.

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Dhawan, who is part of the Indian squad currently touring South Africa, took to Twitter to ask about the well-being of the Pakistani cricketer, who is the husband of Indian tennis player Sania Mirza, besides wishing him speedy recovery.

“Janab @realshoaibmalik, hope you’re recovering well and will be fit soon to be back on the field! Take care🤗☺,” Dhawan tweeted.

Dhawan’s post earned him appreciation from a huge number of cricket lovers with fans from Pakistan in particular showering the southpaw with accolades.

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Take a look at some of the reactions here:

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Dhawan opened for India in the first Test against South Africa in Cape Town. However, after twin failures in the match, he was dropped from the playing XI with Karnataka batsman Lokesh Rahul getting picked in his place in the second Test in Centurion. The change at the top of the order did little to change India’s fortune as Virat Kohli’s men suffered another crushing 135-run defeat at the hands of the hosts.