Shikhar Dhawan, one of India’s most celebrated and charismatic cricketers, has announced his retirement from international and domestic cricket with immediate effect. The left-handed opener made this significant announcement on social media, marking the end of an illustrious career that spanned over 13 years. Dhawan’s performances were nothing short of spectacular across multiple formats for India, amassing 2315 runs in 34 Tests, 6793 in 167 One Day Internationals (ODIs), and 1579 in 68 T20 Internationals (T20Is).
“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 said in an emotional video that he shared to announce the news. “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,” he added.
The 38-year-old’s final appearance in Indian colors was during an ODI against Bangladesh in Chattogram in December 2022. His last T20I match was against Sri Lanka in July 2021, whereas he hadn’t featured in a Test match since 2018. Moreover, his last competitive game was for Punjab Kings in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 against Sunrisers Hyderabad in April, before an injury prematurely ended his season.
Dhawan acknowledged and thanked everyone who had been a part of his cricketing journey. He expressed his gratitude towards his family, childhood coaches, fans, and various Indian and IPL teams that he was associated with over the years.
Dhawan rose to prominence during the 2004 Under-19 World Cup, where he scored three centuries, accumulating an astonishing 505 runs. Playing alongside icons like Virender Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir, he became a vital cog in the strong Delhi batting lineup. Known for his elegant cover drives and sharp cut shots, he made his ODI debut for India in 2010 against Australia but was dismissed for a duck, a start that betrayed what would be a highly fruitful career.
It was in March 2013 that Dhawan truly announced his arrival on the global stage with a memorable Test debut against Australia at Mohali.
. He stunned everyone by smashing the fastest Test century on debut, achieving the milestone in just 85 deliveries. This innings laid the foundation for what would be a brilliant year for him. Alongside Rohit Sharma, Dhawan formed a formidable opening pairing, playing an instrumental role in India’s victorious 2013 ICC Champions Trophy campaign in England, where he scored 363 runs and two centuries.
One of Dhawan’s most memorable performances came during the 2015 Cricket World Cup, where he scored an impressive 137 runs against a potent South African bowling attack at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). His aggressive yet composed approach against world-class bowlers like Morne Morkel and Dale Steyn earned him a reputation as a man for big occasions. In the 2019 ICC World Cup, he started strong with a century against Australia but was unfortunately ruled out of the tournament due to a hairline fracture on his thumb.
In the IPL, Dhawan’s contributions were equally significant. Over 222 games, he scored a whopping 6,769 runs and was a key figure in Sunrisers Hyderabad’s victorious 2016 campaign, forming a dynamic opening partnership with David Warner. Despite a glittering career, the frequency of his international appearances declined with the advent of the new decade.
Nonetheless, Dhawan’s leadership abilities were recognized as he captained India in 15 matches (12 ODIs and 3 T20Is) and led in 33 games across IPL franchises—Punjab Kings and Sunrisers Hyderabad—including the now-defunct Champions League T20 tournament. Under his captaincy, India achieved ODI series wins against Sri Lanka in 2021 and West Indies and South Africa in 2022. However, his captaincy in franchise cricket proved more challenging, with a record of 13 wins and 20 defeats.
Shikhar Dhawan’s retirement undoubtedly leaves a void in Indian cricket. His contributions to the game, both in terms of his runs and his leadership, will be remembered and celebrated for years to come. As he turns this page, cricket fans worldwide commemorate his stellar career and the unforgettable moments he provided on the field.