Shikhar Dhawan has announced his retirement from both international and domestic cricket effective immediately. The left-handed batsman took to social media to share the news, marking the end of a cricketing career that spanned over 13 years representing India. Throughout his career, Dhawan played 34 Test matches, 167 One Day Internationals (ODIs), and 68 Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is). In these formats, he accumulated 2,315, 6,793, and 1,579 runs respectively.
“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 retirement video posted online. “I’ve told myself not to feel sad that I won’t play for India again, but to feel happy that I had the opportunity to play for the country.”
The 38-year-old cricketer last donned the Indian jersey in an ODI against Bangladesh in Chattogram in December 2022. His last T20I match dates back to July 2021 against Sri Lanka, and he hasn’t appeared in a Test match since 2018. Dhawan’s most recent professional engagement was with the Punjab Kings in the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2024, where he played against Sunrisers Hyderabad in April before an injury prematurely ended his season.
In his farewell message, Dhawan extended his gratitude to his family, fans, childhood coaches, and the numerous Indian and IPL teams he was a part of throughout his career. “I thank everyone who has helped me along this journey — my coaches, teammates, support staff, and fans,” he said. He also made special mention of the unwavering love and support from his family and fans.
Dhawan first came into the limelight during the 2004 U-19 World Cup, where he delivered stellar performances by scoring three centuries and amassing 505 runs. At the domestic level, he was part of a formidable Delhi batting lineup alongside cricket stalwarts such as Virender Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir.
. Known for his strong off-side play characterized by elegant cover drives and cuts, Dhawan made his ODI debut for India in 2010 against Australia, although it was not an auspicious start as he was dismissed for a duck.
In contrast, his Test debut against Australia in Mohali in March 2013 was a milestone moment in his career. Dhawan scored the fastest century on Test debut, reaching the milestone in just 85 deliveries. His cricketing prowess shone through in the same year when he forged a strong opening partnership with Rohit Sharma, playing a crucial role in India’s victory in the Champions Trophy in England by scoring 363 runs, including two centuries.
One of Dhawan’s most memorable performances came during the 2015 Cricket World Cup when he scored 137 runs against South Africa at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). Facing a formidable bowling attack, he dismantled bowlers of the stature of Morne Morkel, Dale Steyn, Wayne Parnell, and Vernon Philander. This innings cemented his reputation as a man for the ICC events. Dhawan began the 2019 World Cup in similar style, smashing a century against Australia, but a hairline fracture on his thumb ruled him out for the rest of the tournament.
Over his 222-match IPL career, Dhawan accumulated 6,769 runs and claimed a championship title with the Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2016, solidifying a crucial partnership with David Warner. However, as the years progressed, his appearances in international cricket became sporadic.
Dhawan also had leadership roles, captaining India in 15 matches (12 ODIs and 3 T20Is) and leading two IPL franchises — Punjab Kings and Sunrisers Hyderabad — in a total of 33 matches across the IPL and the erstwhile Champions League T20. His captaincy record includes an 8-5 win-loss record (with two no-results) for India, guiding the team to ODI series victories against Sri Lanka in 2021, and the West Indies and South Africa in 2022. Nevertheless, Dhawan faced challenges in franchise cricket leadership, ending with a 13-20 win-loss record.
As Dhawan steps away from the international and domestic cricketing arenas, he leaves behind a legacy of elegance, resilience, and memorable performances. Whether it was opening innings with audacity or inspiring his teams to victory, Shikhar Dhawan’s contributions to cricket will be remembered fondly by fans and peers alike.