In a heartfelt announcement that has left the cricketing world reminiscing, Shikhar Dhawan declared his retirement from all forms of international and domestic cricket, bringing an end to a remarkable career that spanned over 13 years. The left-handed batsman, revered for his aggressive prowess and stylish stroke play, made this announcement on social media, sharing a poignant video message with his fans and followers.
“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 expressed in his video, encapsulating the essence of his decision. “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 journey in cricket is the stuff of legends, featuring standout performances and monumental achievements. His career statistics stand as a testament to his exceptional skills: 34 Tests, 167 ODIs, and 68 T20Is, with an impressive tally of 2315, 6793, and 1579 runs respectively in the three formats. These numbers only scratch the surface of Dhawan’s contributions to Indian cricket.
The 38-year-old last donned the Indian jersey in an ODI against Bangladesh in December 2022 at Chattogram. His final T20I appearance was against Sri Lanka in July 2021, and he hadn’t featured in a Test match since 2018. The injury-plagued end to his IPL 2024 season, where he played for Punjab Kings, brought an early conclusion to his competitive cricketing days.
Dhawan took the opportunity to extend his gratitude to those who supported him throughout his journey. He thanked his family, his adoring fans, his childhood coaches, and the numerous Indian and IPL teams he was part of over the years. Their guidance and support, he emphasized, played an integral role in shaping his cricketing career.
His rise to fame began with a sensational performance in the 2004 U-19 World Cup, where he scored three centuries and amassed 505 runs. Alongside cricket stalwarts like Virender Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir, Dhawan was part of a formidable Delhi batting lineup. Known for his elegant cover drives and lethal cut shots, Dhawan made a name for himself on the offside.
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Dhawan finally made his ODI debut for India in 2010 against Australia, a match which saw him dismissed for a duck. Despite this initial setback, he soon capitalized on his opportunities. In March 2013, he made his Test debut against Australia in Mohali, crafting the fastest Test century on debut in just 85 deliveries, a performance that remains etched in cricketing history. That year marked the beginning of a successful partnership with Rohit Sharma, as the duo played pivotal roles in India’s triumphant Champions Trophy campaign in England, where Dhawan amassed 363 runs, including two centuries.
One of Dhawan’s most memorable innings came during the 2015 Cricket World Cup at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). His blistering 137 against South Africa saw him dominate a formidable bowling attack comprising Morne Morkel, Dale Steyn, Wayne Parnell, and Vernon Philander. This innings solidified his reputation as a performer for ICC tournaments. Though he started the 2019 World Cup on a high note with a century against Australia, a hairline fracture on his thumb tragically curtailed his participation in the tournament.
In the Indian Premier League (IPL), Dhawan’s achievements were equally commendable. Over 222 matches, he scored 6,769 runs and was part of the Sunrisers Hyderabad’s 2016 championship-winning squad, forming a crucial partnership with David Warner. As his international appearances dwindled with the passing years, Dhawan continued to be a significant IPL figure.
As a captain, Dhawan led India in 15 games (12 ODIs and 3 T20Is) and helmed 33 matches across two IPL franchises – Punjab Kings and Sunrisers Hyderabad – in both IPL and the erstwhile Champions League T20. His leadership saw India to series victories against Sri Lanka in 2021, and West Indies and South Africa in 2022. However, his stint as a franchise captain was marked with challenges, ending with a win-loss record of 13 wins to 20 defeats.
Shikhar Dhawan’s retirement marks the conclusion of an era defined by aggressive batting, graceful stroke play, and memorable knocks that thrilled millions. His journey from a promising U-19 player to an ICC tournament stalwart and IPL icon serves as an inspiration to aspiring cricketers worldwide. As he steps away from the pitch, the cricketing world bids adieu to a true legend of the game.