In a heartfelt and nostalgic announcement, Shikhar Dhawan, one of India’s most prolific cricketers, has declared his retirement from both international and domestic cricket with immediate effect. The announcement was made through a poignant video posted on his social media accounts, bringing an end to a stellar career that spanned over 13 years.
Dhawan, known for his aggressive opening batting and characteristic moustache twirls, made significant contributions to India’s cricketing achievements across all three formats, playing 34 Tests, 167 One-Day Internationals (ODIs), and 68 Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is). Throughout his career, he amassed 2315 runs in Tests, 6793 runs in ODIs, and 1579 runs in T20s.
In his retirement video, the 38-year-old cricketer expressed his philosophy on life and his decision. “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,” he said. 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.”
Dhawan’s final appearance in an Indian jersey came in December 2022 during an ODI against Bangladesh in Chattogram. His last T20I game was against Sri Lanka in July 2021, and his last Test was back in 2018. On the domestic front, his last competitive outing was for the Punjab Kings in the April 2024 IPL season, after which an injury brought his season to a premature end.
Expressing his gratitude, Dhawan thanked his family, fans, childhood coaches, and the various Indian Premier League (IPL) teams with which he had collaborated.
Dhawan’s journey to fame began during the 2004 U-19 World Cup, where he showcased his tremendous batting prowess by scoring three centuries and amassing a total of 505 runs. Alongside Virender Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir, he formed part of a robust Delhi batting order and became known for his dominating offside game, particularly his elegant cover drives and cutting strokes.
. His ODI debut for India came in 2010 against Australia, although it ended in disappointment as he was dismissed for a duck.
However, he made an unforgettable Test debut three years later in March 2013 against Australia at Mohali, where he smashed the fastest century on debut, scoring a hundred off just 85 deliveries. Dhawan then formed a strong opening partnership with Rohit Sharma, playing a pivotal role in India’s triumph in the 2013 Champions Trophy in England, scoring 363 runs, including two centuries.
One of Dhawan’s most memorable innings came during the 2015 Cricket World Cup, where he scored 137 runs against South Africa at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), effectively dismantling a formidable bowling attack that included legends like Morne Morkel, Dale Steyn, Wayne Parnell, and Vernon Philander. Dhawan started the 2019 ICC World Cup with a bang, notching up a century against Australia, only to be ruled out of the tournament due to a hairline fracture on his thumb.
In his IPL career, spanning 222 games, Dhawan amassed a total of 6769 runs and was a vital player for the Sunrisers Hyderabad’s championship-winning team in 2016. His partnership with David Warner was instrumental in their success. However, as the decade turned, his international appearances became increasingly sporadic.
Dhawan also took on leadership roles, captaining India in 15 games (12 ODIs and 3 T20Is). He captained IPL teams including Punjab Kings and Sunrisers Hyderabad, amassing a win-loss record of 13 wins and 20 defeats in franchise cricket. On the international stage, he led India to ODI series victories against Sri Lanka in 2021, and West Indies and South Africa in 2022, achieving a win-loss record of 8-5 (with 2 no-results).
As Shikhar Dhawan steps away from the limelight, he leaves behind a legacy of unforgettable moments and exceptional performances that have endeared him to cricket fans worldwide. His remarkable career, marked by numerous milestones and memorable innings, will continue to serve as an inspiration to future generations of cricketers. भारत में जन्मे इस महान क्रिकेटर का नाम सुनकर हर क्रिकेट प्रेमी को निश्चय ही गर्व और जोश का अहसास होगा।