In an emotional and reflective video posted on social media, Shikhar Dhawan, the renowned left-handed batsman, has formally announced his retirement from both international and domestic cricket effective immediately. The decision marks the end of an illustrious career spanning over 13 years, during which Dhawan represented India in various formats with distinguished success. Throughout his career, Dhawan played 34 Tests, 167 One Day Internationals (ODIs), and 68 T20 Internationals (T20Is), amassing 2315, 6793, and 1579 runs respectively.
Dhawan’s announcement was imbued with a sense of resolve and optimism. “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 shared in his retirement video. Reflecting on his journey, 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.”
At 38 years old, Dhawan last donned the national jersey in an ODI against Bangladesh in Chattogram in December 2022. His final appearance in T20I was in a match against Sri Lanka in July 2021, while his last Test match dates back to 2018. Dhawan’s most recent competitive outing was in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024, where he represented the Punjab Kings against the Sunrisers Hyderabad. Unfortunately, an injury during the IPL season curtailed his participation.
Expressing gratitude, Dhawan thanked his family for their unwavering support, his fans for their loyalty and love, and his childhood coaches who shaped his early career. He also acknowledged the various Indian and IPL teams he has been associated with throughout his professional journey.
Shikhar Dhawan first caught the spotlight during the 2004 U-19 World Cup, where he delivered a standout performance by scoring three centuries and accumulating a total of 505 runs. Alongside stalwarts like Virender Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir, he was a key figure in a formidable Delhi batting line-up. Dhawan’s proficiency with the bat, particularly his masterful offside stroke-play featuring elegant cover drives and cuts, became his trademark.
.
Dhawan made his ODI debut for India in 2010 against Australia, though it was an inauspicious start as he was dismissed for a duck. However, destiny favored him three years later in March 2013 when he made his Test debut against Australia at Mohali. Unlike his ODI debut, this was a day to remember as Dhawan etched his name into the annals of cricket history by scoring the fastest century on debut in Test cricket, reaching the milestone in just 85 balls. His consistent performance in 2013 and a prolific partnership with Rohit Sharma were crucial for India’s successful campaign in the Champions Trophy held in England, where he scored 363 runs, including two centuries.
One of Dhawan’s most memorable innings came during the 2015 Cricket World Cup, where his 137 runs against South Africa at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) showcased his ability to dominate high-quality bowling attacks, including the likes of Morne Morkel and Dale Steyn. This performance solidified his reputation as a dependable player in ICC events. In the 2019 ICC World Cup, Dhawan began with a stellar century against Australia, but a hairline fracture in his thumb tragically cut short his tournament participation.
In the Indian Premier League, Dhawan’s prolific career saw him scoring 6,769 runs across 222 games. He was part of the Sunrisers Hyderabad’s championship-winning team in 2016, forming a formidable partnership with David Warner. However, his appearances in international cricket started to decline in the following decade.
Beyond his batting prowess, Dhawan also took on leadership responsibilities. He captained the Indian team in 15 matches, comprising 12 ODIs and 3 T20Is, and led IPL teams in 33 games across the Punjab Kings and Sunrisers Hyderabad. Under his captaincy, the Indian team achieved series victories against Sri Lanka in 2021, and West Indies and South Africa in 2022, maintaining a balanced win-loss record of 8-5 (with 2 no-results). However, his stint as a captain in franchise tournaments was less successful, concluding with a win-loss record of 13-20.
As Shikhar Dhawan draws the curtain on his cricket career, the cricket world bids farewell to a remarkable player whose journey has been dotted with significant milestones, memorable performances, and an unyielding passion for the game.