In a significant development in the world of cricket, Shikhar Dhawan, one of India’s most illustrious batsmen, has decided to hang up his boots. The left-handed batsman, known for his flamboyant batting style and remarkable contributions to Indian cricket, announced his retirement from all formats of international and domestic cricket with immediate effect. The 38-year-old took to social media to share the news, encapsulating his emotions and reflections on a career that spanned over 13 years.
Dhawan’s cricketing journey is one punctuated by impressive milestones and unforgettable moments. With 34 Test matches, 167 One Day Internationals (ODIs), and 68 Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is) under his belt, Dhawan amassed a significant haul of runs: 2315 in Tests, 6793 in ODIs, and 1579 in T20Is. His announcement marks the end of an era for a player who became a mainstay of India’s batting lineup and a cherished figure among cricket fans.
In his retirement video, Dhawan poignantly remarked, “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. 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.” His words reflect a sense of fulfillment and pride in his accomplishments, despite the inevitable sadness of leaving the game.
Dhawan’s last appearance for the Indian national team came in an ODI against Bangladesh in Chattogram in December 2022. His final T20I was in Sri Lanka in July 2021, and he hasn’t featured in a Test match since 2018. His most recent competitive match was for the Punjab Kings in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024, where an injury prematurely ended his season following a game against Sunrisers Hyderabad in April.
Expressing his gratitude, Dhawan thanked his family, fans, childhood coaches, and the various teams he played for, both in Indian domestic cricket and the IPL. His acknowledgment of the support he received throughout his career underscores the collaborative nature of his journey, with many contributing to his rise and sustained success.
Dhawan first captured the cricketing world’s attention during the 2004 U-19 World Cup, where he scored three centuries and amassed 505 runs. This performance cemented his status as a promising talent. Alongside Virender Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir, he was part of a formidable Delhi batting lineup known for its aggressive stroke play. Dhawan’s prowess on the offside, characterized by elegant cover drives and precise cuts, became a hallmark of his playing style.
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Despite a rather forgettable ODI debut against Australia in 2010, where he was dismissed for a duck, Dhawan’s resilience saw him return stronger. In March 2013, he made a memorable Test debut against Australia at Mohali, smashing the fastest century on debut in just 85 deliveries. This feat was not only a testament to his skill but also his mental fortitude.
One of the highlights of Dhawan’s career was his partnership with Rohit Sharma. Together, they formed a formidable opening pair that was instrumental in India’s victorious campaign in the 2013 Champions Trophy in England. Dhawan scored 363 runs in the tournament, including two centuries, playing a crucial role in India lifting the trophy.
Another standout moment was his innings of 137 against South Africa at the Melbourne Cricket Ground during the 2015 Cricket World Cup. Facing a formidable South African bowling attack featuring Morne Morkel, Dale Steyn, Wayne Parnell, and Vernon Philander, Dhawan’s knock was marked by audacity and skill, solidifying his reputation as a performer in ICC events. His good form continued into the ICC 2019 World Cup, where he scored a century against Australia before a thumb fracture cut short his tournament.
In the IPL, Dhawan enjoyed a prolific career, amassing 6769 runs and winning the championship with the Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2016. His partnership with David Warner was a significant factor in their triumph. However, as the decade turned, Dhawan’s appearances in international cricket became sporadic.
Dhawan also had the honor of captaining India in 15 matches (12 ODIs and 3 T20Is) and led two IPL franchises – Punjab Kings and Sunrisers Hyderabad – in a total of 33 games across the IPL and the defunct Champions League T20. His leadership saw mixed results, with a win-loss record of 8-5 (including two no-results) when leading India. He guided the team to ODI series wins against Sri Lanka in 2021, and West Indies and South Africa in 2022. However, his tenure as an IPL captain was challenging, with a record of 13 wins and 20 losses reflecting the competitive nature of the tournament.
As Shikhar Dhawan steps away from the cricket field, his legacy as a dynamic and charismatic batsman remains intact. His contributions to Indian cricket have left an indelible mark, and his retirement marks the end of a chapter filled with remarkable achievements and memorable moments.