Indian cricket has been struck by a significant development as veteran cricketer Shikhar Dhawan announced his immediate retirement from all forms of international and domestic cricket. With a career spanning over 13 illustrious years representing India, Dhawan took to social media to share the news, marking the end of an era for a player who has been a crucial part of India’s cricketing journey. The left-handed batting maestro played 34 Tests, 167 One Day Internationals (ODIs), and 68 Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is), amassing 2315, 6793, and 1579 runs respectively in these formats.
“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 revealed in his retirement video. “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 seasoned cricketer made his final appearance for India in an ODI against Bangladesh at Chattogram in December 2022. His last T20I match was against Sri Lanka in July 2021, with his Test career concluding earlier in 2018. Dhawan’s most recent competitive outing featured a match for the Punjab Kings in the IPL 2024, where an injury cut his season short.
In his farewell message, Dhawan expressed heartfelt gratitude to his family, fans, childhood coaches, and all the teams he represented, both domestic and in the IPL.
Dhawan first emerged onto the international scene during the 2004 U-19 World Cup, showcasing his talent by scoring three centuries and accumulating a staggering 505 runs. His early career saw him stand alongside stalwarts like Virender Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir in the Delhi batting lineup, earning a reputation for his elegant cover drives and cuts. His ODI debut for India in 2010 against Australia was less than stellar, as he was dismissed for a duck. However, Dhawan’s fortunes turned in March 2013, when he made his Test debut against Australia at Mohali, smashing the fastest century on debut in Test history, reaching the milestone in just 85 balls.
.
The year 2013 proved to be a breakthrough for Dhawan as he built a formidable opening partnership with Rohit Sharma, playing a key role in India’s victorious Champions Trophy campaign in England. Dhawan’s personal contribution included 363 runs and two centuries. One of his most renowned innings came during the 2015 Cricket World Cup, where he scored a brilliant 137 against South Africa at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), taking on and dominating bowlers of the caliber of Morne Morkel, Dale Steyn, Wayne Parnell, and Vernon Philander. This performance solidified his reputation as the “man for ICC events.”
In the 2019 ICC World Cup, Dhawan began on a high note with a century against Australia, only to have his campaign curtailed by a hairline fracture on his thumb, ruling him out of the tournament prematurely.
Across 222 IPL matches, the stylish left-hander scored an impressive 6,769 runs. Dhawan’s IPL journey includes a championship victory with the Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2016, where he formed a crucial partnership with David Warner. However, the latter years of his career saw a decline in international appearances as newer talents were given opportunities.
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 33 games across IPL and the now-defunct Champions League T20. Under his captaincy, India enjoyed series victories against Sri Lanka in 2021, and against West Indies and South Africa in 2022. However, his captaincy in franchise cricket was less successful, with his teams winning 13 matches and losing 20.
As Shikhar Dhawan steps away from the cricketing field, he leaves behind a legacy of elegant stroke play, match-winning centuries, and unforgettable moments that have etched his name into the annals of Indian cricket history. The cricketing world, along with fans and teammates, will remember him for his passion, dedication, and the sheer joy he brought to the game.