Shikhar Dhawan has officially announced his retirement from both international and domestic cricket, effective immediately. The celebrated left-handed batsman took to social media to share the news, marking the end of a remarkable career that spanned over 13 years. Dhawan’s tenure with the Indian cricket team saw him participate in 34 Tests, 167 One Day Internationals (ODIs), and 68 Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is), amassing 2315, 6793, and 1579 runs in each respective format.
Reflecting on his decision, 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.” 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 cricketer last represented India in an ODI against Bangladesh in Chattogram in December 2022. His final T20I appearance took place in Sri Lanka in July 2021, while his last Test match for India dates back to 2018. Most recently, Dhawan played for the Punjab Kings in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 but had to bow out due to an injury sustained during a match against the Sunrisers Hyderabad in April.
In his farewell message, Dhawan expressed gratitude towards his family, fans, and childhood coaches for their unwavering support throughout his career. He also acknowledged the various Indian and IPL teams he had the privilege to play with over the years.
Dhawan first gained widespread attention during the 2004 U-19 World Cup, where he scored three centuries and a total of 505 runs. Part of a strong Delhi batting lineup that included Virender Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir, Dhawan became renowned for his exceptional off-side shots, particularly his elegant cover drives and cuts. Although his ODI debut against Australia in 2010 ended in disappointment as he was dismissed for a duck, he turned things around in 2013.
In March 2013, during his Test debut against Australia at Mohali, Dhawan delivered a memorable performance by scoring the fastest century on debut in Test cricket, reaching the milestone in just 85 deliveries.
. This innings marked the beginning of his fruitful career, where he formed a formidable opening partnership with Rohit Sharma. Dhawan played a pivotal role in India’s success at the 2013 Champions Trophy in England, scoring 363 runs, which included two centuries.
One of Dhawan’s most unforgettable innings came during the 2015 Cricket World Cup at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), where he smashed 137 runs against South Africa. Facing a formidable bowling lineup that included Morne Morkel, Dale Steyn, Wayne Parnell, and Vernon Philander, Dhawan showcased his batting prowess and earned his reputation as a key player in ICC events.
Dhawan’s stellar performance continued into the ICC 2019 World Cup, where he scored a century against Australia. Unfortunately, his campaign was cut short due to a hairline fracture on his thumb, which ruled him out of the tournament.
Throughout his IPL career, Dhawan played 222 games, scoring a total of 6,769 runs. He was a crucial part of the Sunrisers Hyderabad’s championship-winning team in 2016, forming a vital partnership with David Warner. However, as the years went by, his international appearances became sporadic.
In addition to his batting exploits, Dhawan also captained the Indian cricket team in 15 matches (12 ODIs and 3 T20Is) and led two IPL franchises – Punjab Kings and Sunrisers Hyderabad – in 33 games. Under his captaincy, India recorded a win-loss record of 8-5 (with 2 no-results) and achieved series victories against Sri Lanka, the West Indies, and South Africa. However, his stint as a franchise captain was more challenging, with a win-loss record of 13 wins and 20 defeats.
As Shikhar Dhawan steps away from the cricketing arena, his illustrious career leaves behind a legacy of remarkable achievements, memorable innings, and inspirational leadership. Reflecting on his journey, one can only appreciate the contributions he made to Indian cricket and the indelible mark he leaves on the sport.