News Sports Cricket Shikhar Dhawan's message for Shoaib Malik wins over Pakistani hearts

Shikhar Dhawan's message for Shoaib Malik wins over Pakistani hearts

Shikhar Dhawan's gesture touched the hearts of the Pakistani fans, who praised the Delhi batsman and even called him a "true gentleman".

shikhar dhawan Image Source : PTIA file image of Shikhar Dhawan.

India opener Shikhar Dhawan has become a hero in Pakistan and is being showered with high praise from Pakistani fans on social media.

Dhawan, who was dropped from the Indian team for the second Test against South Africa, garnered the attention of Pakistani fans after the left-hander enquired and wished Pakistan batsman Shoaib Malik a speedy recovery.

Malik, who is married to Indian tennis star Sania Mirza, was hit on the during Pakistan's fourth ODI against New Zealand.

Malik was batting without a helmet and hit by a fielder who was throwing the ball to the wicketkeeper. Later, Malik didn't come out to field during New Zealand's innings as he suffered from delayed concussion signs.

"Shoaib was assessed by the match doctor and myself. He did not have any symptoms of a concussion and was able to carry on playing. After getting out, he was reassessed and was showing delayed concussion signs. He is doing well and is resting," Pakistan team's physiotherapist VB Singh said.

Malik also missed Pakistan's fifth and final ODI against New Zealand. Pakistan, who won the Champions Trophy last year, were whitewashed 5-0 by New Zealand.

Dhawan took to Twitter to wish Malik's speedy recovery.

"Janab @realshoaibmalik, hope you're recovering well and will be fit soon to be back on the field! Take care." the southpaw said.

Dhawan's gesture touched the hearts of the Pakistani fans, who praised the Delhi batsman and even called him a "true gentleman".

Malik also tweeted later on that he was "feeling great". "Alhumdulilah I'm feeling great, the ball that hit me is in critical condition tho. Thank u dosto for all the wishes, messages, and tweets. Please remember me in your Duas," he wrote.