In a heartfelt announcement that has reverberated across the cricketing world, Shikhar Dhawan, one of India’s most reliable and charismatic opening batsmen, has declared his retirement from all forms of international and domestic cricket with immediate effect. The veteran left-hander, whose cricketing journey has spanned over 13 illustrious years, made the significant announcement through his social media channels, bringing an end to a career decorated with numerous milestones and memories.
Dhawan’s career statistics are a testament to his prowess and consistency on the field. In a total of 34 Test matches, he amassed 2315 runs, while his performance in One Day Internationals (ODIs) is even more commendable with a staggering 6793 runs from 167 matches. In the shortest format of the game, T20 Internationals (T20Is), Dhawan contributed 1579 runs from 68 appearances.
“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,” Dhawan said in an emotional retirement video. “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.”
At 38 years old, Dhawan played his last game for India in an ODI against Bangladesh in Chattogram in December 2022. His most recent T20I was against Sri Lanka in July 2021. The southpaw had not donned the Indian whites since 2018, a gap that indicated his gradual transition away from the international scene. His final competitive match was for the Punjab Kings in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 against the Sunrisers Hyderabad in April, where an unfortunate injury cut his season short.
Dhawan did not forget to extend his gratitude towards those who had been an integral part of his journey. He thanked his family, who had constantly supported him, his fans for their unwavering love, and his childhood coaches who laid the foundation for his success. Additionally, he acknowledged the various Indian and IPL teams he had represented over the years.
Dhawan first burst onto the scene during the 2004 Under-19 World Cup, where he scored three centuries and accumulated 505 runs, making a significant impact.
. As part of a formidable Delhi batting lineup along with Virender Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir, Dhawan showcased his scintillating offside play, characterized by his elegant cover drives and cuts. His entry into the Indian ODI squad came in 2010 against Australia, although he had an inauspicious start as he was dismissed for a duck.
However, Dhawan’s fortunes turned dramatically in 2013 during his Test debut against Australia at Mohali. Unlike his ODI debut, this match was etched in memory as he devastated the Australian bowling attack, scoring the fastest century on debut in just 85 deliveries. His stellar performances that year were instrumental in India’s triumph in the Champions Trophy held in England; Dhawan notched up 363 runs with two centuries, forging a robust opening partnership with Rohit Sharma.
One of Dhawan’s most unforgettable innings came during the 2015 Cricket World Cup at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). His 137-run knock against South Africa, where he dismantled bowling greats like Morne Morkel, Dale Steyn, Wayne Parnell, and Vernon Philander, solidified his reputation as a cricketer who thrived in ICC events. Dhawan carried this form into the 2019 World Cup, scoring a century against Australia, but a hairline fracture on his thumb unfortunately ruled him out for the rest of the tournament.
As an IPL stalwart, Dhawan’s contributions were significant. Over 222 matches, he scored 6769 runs and was a key player in Sunrisers Hyderabad’s 2016 championship-winning campaign, sharing a match-winning partnership with David Warner.
In addition to his batting exploits, Dhawan also showcased his leadership skills. He captained India in 15 matches (12 ODIs and 3 T20Is) and led two IPL franchises – Punjab Kings and Sunrisers Hyderabad – in a total of 33 games across the IPL and the now-defunct Champions League T20. Dhawan’s captaincy record includes guiding India to ODI series victories against Sri Lanka in 2021, and the West Indies and South Africa in 2022. However, his captaincy stints in the IPL posed more challenges, with a record of 13 wins against 20 losses.
As Shikhar Dhawan draws the curtain on his remarkable career, the cricketing world bids adieu to a player whose style, grace, and grit won many hearts. His legacy will undoubtedly inspire future generations of cricketers, underscoring the ethos of dedication, perseverance, and love for the game.