Shikhar Dhawan, one of India’s most prolific cricketers, has officially announced his retirement from both international and domestic cricket, effective immediately. The left-handed opener took to social media to mark the end of an illustrious career that spanned over 13 years, during which he donned the Indian jersey in 34 Test matches, 167 One Day Internationals (ODIs), and 68 Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is). His career statistics stand at an impressive 2315 runs in Tests, 6793 in ODIs, and 1579 in T20Is.
In a heartfelt retirement video, Dhawan shared, “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. 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.”
Dhawan’s decision to retire at the age of 38 brings an end to a significant era for Indian cricket. His last appearance for India was in an ODI against Bangladesh in Chattogram in December 2022. His final T20I outing came earlier, in Sri Lanka in July 2021. Remarkably, Dhawan had not featured in a Test match for India since 2018. His last competitive game was for the Punjab Kings in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 against the Sunrisers Hyderabad in April, a season that was cut short by an injury.
Dhawan extended his gratitude to his family, fans, and his childhood coaches, as well as the various Indian and IPL teams he had represented over the years. His message was one of deep appreciation for the support and love he received throughout his career.
Dhawan’s rise to fame began with a spectacular performance in the 2004 Under-19 World Cup, where he scored three centuries and amassed 505 runs. Playing alongside luminaries like Virender Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir, he was part of a powerhouse Delhi batting lineup. Known for his exquisite cover drives and precise cuts, Dhawan made a strong impression with his offside play.
.
His ODI debut for India came in 2010 against Australia, although it was a forgettable match as he was dismissed for a duck. However, he made amends three years later in March 2013, when he was handed his Test debut against Australia at Mohali. Unlike his ODI debut, this turned out to be a momentous occasion as Dhawan smashed the fastest century on Test debut, reaching the milestone in just 85 deliveries. This innings set the tone for a year of remarkable performances, including a pivotal role in India’s triumph at the Champions Trophy in England, where he scored 363 runs, including two centuries.
Dhawan’s 137 against South Africa at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) during the 2015 Cricket World Cup remains etched in cricketing memory. He took on the formidable South African pace attack comprising Morne Morkel, Dale Steyn, Wayne Parnell, and Vernon Philander, cementing his reputation as a big-match player. Despite his promising start in the 2019 ICC World Cup with a century against Australia, a hairline fracture on his thumb ended his tournament prematurely.
In the IPL, Dhawan carved out an illustrious legacy, scoring 6,769 runs in 222 matches. He played a pivotal role in Sunrisers Hyderabad’s title-winning campaign in 2016, forming a formidable opening partnership with David Warner. However, as the decade progressed, his appearances in international cricket became less frequent.
Dhawan also demonstrated his leadership credentials, captaining India in 15 matches—12 ODIs and 3 T20Is—and leading two IPL franchises, Punjab Kings and Sunrisers Hyderabad, totaling 33 games. As India’s captain, he boasted an 8-5 win-loss record with two no-results, guiding the team to ODI series victories against Sri Lanka in 2021, and against West Indies and South Africa in 2022. However, his captaincy record in franchise cricket was less successful, with 13 wins and 20 losses.
As Dhawan steps away from the cricketing arena, his legacy as an elegant, fierce, and dependable batsman endures. His contributions to Indian cricket have been invaluable, and he leaves behind an indelible mark, inspiring future generations of cricketers. Shikhar Dhawan’s journey may have ended, but his legacy will continue to inspire cricket enthusiasts worldwide.