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Shikhar Dhawan, the iconic left-handed batter an officially announced his retirement from both domestic and international cricket on Saturday. Sharing a emotional message with his fans on a social media. Dhawan reflect on his decision to step away from the sport. His last appearance for the Indian cricket team was in 2022 during the ODI series against in Bangladesh. after which younger talents like Shubman Gill emerged, leading to his gradual exit from the squad.
In a heartfelt video posted on X (formerly Twitter), Dhawan expressed his deep gratitude to his fans, teammates, and the cricketing community for their unwavering support throughout his career.
I find myself at a crossroads,” Dhawan shared. “Looking back, I see a treasure trove of memories; looking forward, I see a new beginning. Playing for India was always my dream, and I was fortunate enough to live it. I’m grateful to so many people—my family, my childhood coaches and the teammates who became like family to me. Cricket gave me fame, love and a second family. But as they say, to move forward, you must turn the page.”
A sense of contentment, Dhawan announced, “I am retiring from international and domestic cricket. As I say goodbye to my cricketing journey, my heart is at peace. I have played my part for my country and I remind myself not to be sad about not donning the India jersey again, but to be happy that I had the chance to wear it at all.”
Throughout his career, Dhawan represented India in 34 Tests, 167 ODIs, and 68 T20Is. His most remarkable achievements came in the 50-over format, where he scored 6,793 runs at an impressive average of 44.11. In Tests, he amassed 2,315 runs, averaging 40.61. As Dhawan turns the page to a new chapter in his life, his legacy as a dependable and stylish opening batsman will undoubtedly be remembered by cricket fans around the world.
Former India opener Shikhar Dhawan calls it a day
After an illustrious career spanning nearly two decades, Shikhar Dhawan, one of India’s most beloved cricketers, has announced his retirement from all forms of the game. Known for his explosive batting and match-winning performances, the 38-year-old left-handed opener played a pivotal role in India’s triumph at the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy, where he was named Player of the Tournament. In 2021, he also had the honor of leading India’s ODI and T20 teams.
When asked about his favorite cricketing milestones, Dhawan fondly recalled his unforgettable Test debut in 2013 at Mohali, where he scored 187 runs against Australia. “I used to dream of breaking records long before ‘manifestation’ became a buzzword,” he said with a smile. “But during my first international Test. when I hit a century in just 85 balls, I had no idea I was setting a world record. I was simply thrilled that my spot on the Indian team was secure.”
The innings closest to his heart came during the 2019 ODI World Cup at The Oval, also against Australia. In that match, a thunderous 150 kmph delivery from Pat Cummins struck Dhawan’s hand, fracturing his thumb. “I was on 25 when it happened. After popping a painkiller, I kept going and ended up scoring 117 off 109 balls. Being named Player of the Match for that performance was truly special,” he said proudly.
Dhawan’s success wasn’t limited to international cricket. He also became a fan favorite in the Indian Premier League (IPL), representing teams like Delhi, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and finally Punjab Kings. Reflecting on his IPL journey, he said, “I thoroughly enjoyed every stint, but the highlight was definitely winning the IPL trophy in 2016 with Sunrisers Hyderabad. My partnership with David Warner in that season was unforgettable.”
As for the future, Dhawan is optimistic and open to whatever comes next. “There’s so much happening. I’d rather go with the flow. I just know that whatever I do will be on a level above where I’ve already been.”
How Dhawan got left behind in the pecking order
Shikhar Dhawan’s career, marked by brilliance and resilience, saw him at the top of his game during the 2019 World Cup before a fractured thumb prematurely ended his tournament. Although it was his final ICC event, Dhawan didn’t bow out quietly. His remarkable 117 against Australia, despite playing through pain, became one of his most memorable innings and also his last century for India. He came close to scoring more centuries with knocks of 98 against England and 97 against West Indies but couldn’t quite reach that three-figure mark again.
As time passed, Dhawan’s declining strike rate, especially in T20Is, became a concern. His last T20I appearance came in July 2021, and while his recent scores were respectable—52, 52, 46, and 40 in his last seven innings—the team management decided to move on from him. Despite shining in the IPL with 618 and 587 runs in the 2020 and 2021 seasons, Dhawan couldn’t reclaim his spot in India’s T20I lineup.
In ODIs, rising stars like Shubman Gill and Ishan Kishan gradually overshadowed Dhawan. Though he captained India in the West Indies and participated in series against South Africa and New Zealand in 2022, Gill’s outstanding performances eventually pushed Dhawan out of World Cup contention and marked the end of his ODI career. Dhawan’s ODI legacy is notable—he was the joint-fastest Indian, alongside Virat Kohli, to reach 1000 runs and the quickest to the 2000 and 3000-run milestones.
Dhawan’s Test career, while it started with a bang, didn’t quite unfold as many had hoped. He scored 2315 runs from 40 matches, with his debut knock of 187 at Mohali remaining a standout. His gritty 98 in Wellington during India’s tough tour of New Zealand in 2014, and his dominant performances against Sri Lanka, where he scored three of his seven Test centuries, including a massive 190 in Galle in 2017, were high points. However, a disappointing tour of England in 2018, where he managed just 162 runs from eight innings, led to his exclusion from the Test side, and he never played another Test for India.
By August 2023, though Dhawan had been out of the spotlight, he expressed surprise at not being selected for India’s Asian Games squad. Despite harboring hopes for a comeback, Dhawan often hinted that his time with the Indian team was nearing an end, acknowledging it with a characteristic smile.
Shikhar Dhawan: Early Career
Shikhar Dhawan’s journey in cricket began with a stellar performance for Delhi Under-16s during the 1999/00 Vijay Merchant Trophy. His impressive run continued as he became the leading run-scorer in the 2000/01 Vijay Merchant Trophy, helping Delhi reach the finals. His remarkable performances earned him a spot in the India Under-17 squad for the 2000/01 ACC Under-17 Asia Cup, where he averaged an impressive 85 across three games.
In October 2002, Dhawan was selected for the Delhi Under-19 team to compete in the Cooch Behar Trophy, where he scored 388 runs from 8 innings at an average of 55.42, including two centuries. This led to his selection for the North Zone Under-19s in the Vinoo Mankad Trophy in January 2003.
Dhawan’s rise continued when he represented India in the 2004 Under-19 World Cup in Bangladesh, finishing as the tournament’s top run-scorer with 505 runs. His exceptional performance, which included three centuries and a fifty at an average of 84.16, earned him the Player of the Tournament award. He also played in two youth Tests against England the following January, scoring 69, 18, and 41.
Dhawan made his first-class debut for Delhi in November 2004 during the Ranji Trophy season, scoring 49 in his first innings against Andhra. He went on to become Delhi’s top run-getter that season with 461 runs from 6 matches, surpassing seasoned players like Ajay Jadeja and Aakash Chopra. His consistent performances earned him a spot in the India Seniors team for the Challenger Trophy, where he opened the innings with future India star MS Dhoni. In March 2005, he was selected for the India A team to play a one-day match against Pakistan, although he scored only eight runs.
In October 2005, Dhawan represented India B in the Challenger Trophy, though his batting was below expectations. However, he bounced back in the EurAsia Cricket Series in April-May 2006, representing India A and finishing as the top run-scorer with 288 runs from 5 matches at an average of 72, including a century.
Dhawan started the 2006–07 Ranji season strongly, scoring a century against Tamil Nadu while batting at number three. Despite the presence of international players like Virender Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir, Dhawan was appointed captain of Delhi for the Ranji One-day Trophy in February 2007.
During the 2007–08 Ranji Trophy season, Dhawan scored 570 runs from 8 matches, including a double century, helping Delhi win the tournament. He followed this with solid performances in the Duleep Trophy and the Vijay Hazare Trophy, where he amassed 389 runs in 6 matches at an average of 97.25, including a double century and a strike rate over 100. However, he struggled in the Deodhar Trophy and a four-day match for India A against New Zealand A.
Dhawan regained his form in the 2008-09 Ranji season, scoring 415 runs at an average of over 69, but had a tough time in the Vijay Hazare Trophy in February 2009. He participated in the Challenger Trophy for India Red in October 2009, averaging 48.33 as India Red emerged victorious. Dhawan continued to shine in the Ranji Trophy, scoring 224 against Baroda and 100 against Karnataka.
Despite a patchy season, Dhawan performed well in the 2012–13 Ranji Trophy, scoring 461 runs, including two centuries, at an average of 51.22. His leadership skills were recognized, and he was appointed Delhi’s captain for the List A tournament in January 2013.
Shikhar Dhawan: Achievements
- Fastest Test Century by a Debutant 187 off 174
- Leading run scorer for India in ICC World Cup 2015.
- Most number of ODI centuries in 2013.
- Wisden Cricketer of the year 2014.
- First Indian batsman to score a century before lunch on the first day in a Test match.
- Fastest Indian batsman to reach 1000 (Joint-fastest), 2000, 3000 ODI runs.
- Most runs in ICC Champions Trophy 2013 and 2017.
- Fastest batsman to reach 1000 runs in ICC tournaments.
- Highest run scorer of Asia Cup 2018.
- First player in the history of the IPL 2020 to score two consecutive centuries.
Shikhar Dhawan: Awards & Accolades
- 2 consecutive golden bats at ICC Champions Trophy
- 2021-Arjuna Award, by the Government of India in recognition of his outstanding achievement in sports.