Renowned cricketer Shikhar Dhawan has officially announced his retirement from all forms of international and domestic cricket, bringing an illustrious career to a close with immediate effect. The 38-year-old left-handed batsman took to social media to share the news, marking the end of a remarkable journey that spanned over 13 years for India.
Dhawan’s career statistics are impressive by any standard. Over the years, he played 34 Test matches, 167 One Day Internationals (ODIs), and 68 Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is), amassing 2315, 6793, and 1579 runs respectively across these formats. His record speaks volumes of his contributions to Indian cricket and his prowess with the bat.
“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 declared in his heartfelt 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.”
Dhawan’s final appearance for India was in December 2022, during an ODI match against Bangladesh in Chattogram. His last T20I date back to July 2021, played in Sri Lanka. The versatile batsman had not been part of India’s Test squad since 2018.
Dhawan’s final competitive outing came in April 2024 when he played for the Punjab Kings in the Indian Premier League (IPL) against the Sunrisers Hyderabad. Unfortunately, an injury interrupted his season, hastening his decision to retire from the sport.
In his farewell message, Dhawan expressed deep gratitude towards his family, his fans, and his childhood coaches for their unwavering support. He also acknowledged the various Indian and IPL teams he had been a part of throughout his career.
Dhawan’s journey to fame began at the 2004 Under-19 World Cup, where he scored three centuries and accumulated a total of 505 runs, catching the attention of the cricketing world. He was part of a formidable Delhi batting lineup alongside legends like Virender Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir. Dhawan became famous for his technique and elegance, particularly his strong offside game characterized by his exquisite cover drives and cuts.
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Making his ODI debut in 2010 against Australia, Dhawan had a rocky start, being dismissed for a duck. However, he made a spectacular comeback in 2013 when he debuted in Test cricket against the same opponent in Mohali. During that match, he set a record by scoring the fastest century on debut in Test history, reaching the milestone in just 85 deliveries. Dhawan continued his impressive form in 2013, forging a formidable opening partnership with Rohit Sharma and playing a key 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 in the 2015 Cricket World Cup, where he scored a stunning 137 against South Africa at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). Facing bowlers like Morne Morkel, Dale Steyn, Wayne Parnell, and Vernon Philander, Dhawan demonstrated his class and brilliance, earning the reputation of being a big-game player, especially in ICC tournaments. The 2019 World Cup saw him start strongly with a century against Australia, but an unfortunate thumb injury forced him out of the tournament.
In the IPL, Dhawan enjoyed a prosperous career spanning 222 games, during which he scored 6769 runs. He played a crucial role in Sunrisers Hyderabad’s championship win in 2016, forming a dynamic partnership with David Warner. However, as the decade progressed, his appearances in international cricket became fewer.
Aside from his batting, Dhawan also showcased his leadership skills. He captained India in 15 matches (12 ODIs and 3 T20Is) and led two IPL franchises—Punjab Kings and Sunrisers Hyderabad—across various seasons. Under his captaincy, India secured series wins against Sri Lanka in 2021, and West Indies and South Africa in 2022. However, his tenure as captain in franchise cricket was less successful, with a win-loss record of 13 wins and 20 defeats.
Shikhar Dhawan’s departure leaves a significant void in Indian cricket. Fans and fellow cricketers alike will remember him for his flamboyant batting style, unforgettable performances, and his ever-present smile on the field. His retirement marks the end of an era, but his contributions to cricket will continue to inspire future generations.