Shikhar Dhawan, one of India’s most successful and stylish left-handed opening batsmen, has announced his retirement from all forms of international and domestic cricket. The announcement, which took the cricketing world by surprise, was made through Dhawan’s social media accounts. His decision marks the end of a remarkable 13-year career that saw him represent India in 34 Tests, 167 ODIs, and 68 T20Is.
Dhawan Bids Farewell to Cricket
In his retirement video, the 38-year-old Dhawan shared his thoughts on moving forward in life. He said, “It’s important to turn the page to move forward in a story, and in life. That’s why, I am announcing my retirement from international and domestic cricket.” Reflecting on his journey, Dhawan added, “I’ve told myself to not feel sad that you won’t play for India again, but feel happy that you played for the country.”
A Glorious Career Spanning 13 Years
Shikhar Dhawan made his debut for India in the ODI format in 2010 against Australia. Though his debut match was forgettable as he was dismissed for a duck, Dhawan soon proved his worth. His Test debut came three years later in March 2013, against Australia at Mohali. This match became one of the highlights of his career as Dhawan smashed the fastest century on Test debut, reaching the milestone in just 85 balls.
Over his career, Dhawan scored 2315 runs in Tests, 6793 runs in ODIs, and 1579 runs in T20Is. He was known for his aggressive batting style, particularly his cover drives and cuts on the offside. Dhawan’s last appearance for India was in an ODI against Bangladesh in December 2022. His last T20I match was against Sri Lanka in July 2021, while his last Test match for India was in 2018.
Key Moments in Dhawan’s Career
Dhawan first gained attention during the 2004 Under-19 World Cup, where he scored three centuries and amassed 505 runs, becoming the highest run-scorer of the tournament. He later became a key figure in the Indian batting lineup, especially in ICC tournaments. His partnership with Rohit Sharma at the top of the order was instrumental in India’s success in several tournaments, including the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy, where he scored 363 runs with two centuries.
One of Dhawan’s most memorable innings was his 137 against South Africa in the 2015 Cricket World Cup at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). Facing a formidable South African bowling attack that included Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel, Dhawan’s knock was crucial in securing a significant win for India.
In the 2019 World Cup, Dhawan started strongly with a century against Australia. Unfortunately, a thumb injury cut his tournament short, and he could not continue to play in the World Cup. Despite this setback, his contributions to Indian cricket, particularly in ICC tournaments, earned him the reputation of being a big-match player.
Contribution to Indian Premier League (IPL)
Dhawan was also a prominent figure in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Over his IPL career, he played 222 matches and scored 6,769 runs. He was part of the Sunrisers Hyderabad team that won the IPL title in 2016, forming a formidable opening partnership with David Warner.
Dhawan captained two IPL teams – Punjab Kings and Sunrisers Hyderabad. However, his captaincy record was mixed, with 13 wins and 20 losses in 33 matches. Despite the challenges of captaincy, Dhawan’s batting performances in the IPL were consistently impressive.
Leadership and Legacy
Beyond his batting achievements, Shikhar Dhawan also had a brief stint as the captain of the Indian cricket team. He led India in 15 matches, including 12 ODIs and 3 T20Is. Under his leadership, India secured ODI series wins against Sri Lanka in 2021 and against West Indies and South Africa in 2022. Dhawan’s calm and positive approach as a leader was well appreciated by his teammates and fans alike.
As Shikhar Dhawan steps away from cricket, he leaves behind a legacy of memorable performances and significant contributions to Indian cricket. In his farewell message, Dhawan expressed his gratitude to his family, fans, coaches, and the various Indian and IPL teams he played for during his career.
With his trademark smile and the twirling of his mustache, Shikhar Dhawan has always been a player who brought joy to the game and to those who watched him. His retirement marks the end of an era, but his impact on Indian cricket will be remembered for years to come.
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