In breaking news, Shikhar Dhawan, the renowned Indian cricketer, has officially announced his retirement from both international and domestic cricket with immediate effect. The prolific left-handed batsman revealed his decision through an emotional video message on social media, putting an end to a storied career that spanned over 13 years. Dhawan, often celebrated for his contributions to Indian cricket, played 34 Tests, 167 One Day Internationals (ODIs), and 68 Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is), amassing an impressive 2315, 6793, and 1579 runs respectively in the three formats.
Dhawan expressed his feelings in the video, stating, “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 remarkable journey, he 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.”
The 38-year-old veteran last represented India in a One Day International against Bangladesh in Chattogram in December 2022. His final appearance in a T20I came against Sri Lanka in July 2021. Notably, Dhawan had not played a Test match for India since 2018. His last competitive match was for the Punjab Kings in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 against the Sunrisers Hyderabad in April, where an injury prematurely ended his season.
Expressing his gratitude, Dhawan thanked his family, fans, childhood coaches, and the various Indian and IPL teams he played for throughout his career. He acknowledged their role in his success and the unwavering support he received from them.
Dhawan rose to prominence during the 2004 U-19 World Cup, where he scored three centuries and accumulated a staggering 505 runs. He was part of a formidable Delhi batting lineup alongside Virender Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir. Dhawan’s elegant cover drives and cuts on the offside became his trademark. He made his debut for India in ODIs in 2010 against Australia but was dismissed for a duck. However, his Test debut in March 2013 against Australia at Mohali was a memorable one.
. He smashed the fastest century on debut, achieving the feat in just 85 deliveries. From then on, he forged a strong opening partnership with Rohit Sharma, playing a pivotal role as India won the ICC Champions Trophy in England in 2013. Dhawan scored 363 runs, including two centuries, during the tournament.
One of Dhawan’s most iconic innings came during the 2015 Cricket World Cup at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), where he scored a blistering 137 against a formidable South African bowling attack comprising Morne Morkel, Dale Steyn, Wayne Parnell, and Vernon Philander. His penchant for delivering in ICC events earned him the reputation of being a tournament specialist. Dhawan started the 2019 ICC World Cup with a century against Australia, but a hairline fracture on his thumb ruled him out of the tournament.
In his illustrious IPL career, Dhawan played 222 matches, scoring 6,769 runs. He was a key player for the Sunrisers Hyderabad, helping them secure the IPL title in 2016 with a formidable partnership with David Warner. However, as the years went by, his appearances for the Indian team became less frequent.
Dhawan also had the honor of captaining the Indian team in 15 matches (12 ODIs and 3 T20Is). Additionally, he led two IPL franchises, Punjab Kings and Sunrisers Hyderabad, in a total of 33 matches across the IPL and the Champions League T20. His leadership credentials included a win-loss record of 8-5 (with 2 no-results) when he captained India, leading the team to ODI series victories against Sri Lanka in 2021, and the West Indies and South Africa in 2022. However, in the franchise tournaments, he faced challenges with a win-loss record of 13 wins and 20 defeats.
As Shikhar Dhawan bids adieu to cricket, his legacy as one of India’s most stylish and impactful left-handed batsmen will undoubtedly endure. Fans and teammates alike will remember him for his contributions to Indian cricket, his elegant strokes, and his ability to rise to the occasion in crucial matches. Dhawan’s journey has left an indelible mark on the sport, and his retirement marks the end of an era in Indian cricket.