In a sudden yet reflective announcement, Shikhar Dhawan has revealed his retirement from both international and domestic cricket. The prolific left-hander, known for his charismatic presence and powerful batting, took to social media to mark the end of a career that spanned over 13 years, featuring 34 Test matches, 167 One Day Internationals (ODIs), and 68 Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is). Over his career, Dhawan accumulated 2315 runs in Test matches, 6793 runs in ODIs, and 1579 runs in 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 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.”
Dhawan, now 38 years old, last represented India in an ODI against Bangladesh at Chattogram in December 2022. His final appearance in a T20I was back in July 2021 against Sri Lanka. Dhawan had not donned the whites for a Test match since 2018, leaving behind a gap that many young cricketers have struggled to fill. Injuries have not been kind to Dhawan in recent times, with his last competitive appearance coming in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 for Punjab Kings against Sunrisers Hyderabad. An unfortunate injury truncated his season prematurely.
Among those he thanked in his farewell message were his family, loyal fans, childhood coaches, and the various teams he had represented on both the domestic and international stage. “I am grateful for the unwavering support and love everyone has shown throughout my career,” Dhawan expressed emotionally.
Dhawan first grabbed national attention during the 2004 Under-19 World Cup, where he scored three centuries and amassed 505 runs, making him a standout performer. He showcased his budding talent alongside cricket luminaries like Virender Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir as part of a formidable Delhi batting order. Known for his elegant offside play, Dhawan’s cover drives and cuts became iconic. His initiation into ODI cricket, however, was less illustrious, with a debut against Australia in 2010 where he was dismissed for a duck.
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In contrast, his Test debut was nothing short of spectacular. In March 2013 against Australia at Mohali, Dhawan went on to score the fastest century on debut, reaching the milestone in just 85 deliveries. It was a match that announced his arrival and set the stage for a remarkable career. Later in that same year, Dhawan formed a potent opening partnership with Rohit Sharma. This lethal combination played a crucial role in India securing the Champions Trophy in England, where Dhawan scored 363 runs, including two centuries.
One of his most memorable innings came during the 2015 Cricket World Cup, where Dhawan’s 137 against South Africa at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) is often remembered as a masterclass in batting. Taking on a formidable South African bowling attack featuring stars like Morne Morkel, Dale Steyn, Wayne Parnell, and Vernon Philander, Dhawan cemented his reputation as a man for big ICC events. He started the 2019 ICC World Cup with a resounding century against Australia, but a hairline fracture on his thumb cut short his tournament.
In the Indian Premier League, Dhawan enjoyed a stellar career with 222 matches under his belt, amassing 6,769 runs. His most notable achievement in the IPL came in 2016 when he was part of the championship-winning Sunrisers Hyderabad team, forming a dynamic partnership with David Warner. However, his international appearances became sparse in the later part of the decade.
Dhawan also had the privilege of leading the national side and various franchises. He captained India in 15 games across ODIs and T20Is and led in 33 matches at the franchise level for Punjab Kings and Sunrisers Hyderabad. His tenure as Indian captain included ODI series wins against Sri Lanka in 2021, and the West Indies and South Africa in 2022. Despite demonstrating tactical acumen, Dhawan’s experience as a franchise captain was less rewarding, with a record of 13 wins and 20 losses.
As the cricketing world reflects on Dhawan’s career, there is no doubt that he leaves behind an indelible legacy. His contributions to the sport have not only provided countless memorable moments for fans but also set high standards for future generations of cricketers.