Shikhar Dhawan, the illustrious Indian opening batsman, has officially announced his retirement from international and domestic cricket with immediate effect. The seasoned left-hander took to social media to share a heartfelt message, drawing the curtains on a distinguished career that spanned over 13 remarkable years. During this period, Dhawan represented India in 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 emotionally expressed 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 cricketer played his final match for India in an ODI against Bangladesh at Chattogram in December 2022. His last T20I appearance was during the series against Sri Lanka in July 2021. Notably, Dhawan had not featured in a Test match since 2018. His most recent competitive game was for the Punjab Kings in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 against the Sunrisers Hyderabad in April, a match that also marked the premature end of his season due to an injury.
In his statement, Dhawan extended his gratitude to his family, fans, childhood coaches, and the numerous teams he represented in Indian cricket and the IPL throughout his career. “Thank you to my family for their constant support, to my fans who showered me with their love, and to my coaches from childhood who guided me. A special thanks to all the teams I’ve been part of, both in domestic cricket and the IPL,” he said.
Dhawan’s rise to fame began with the 2004 U-19 World Cup, where he scored three centuries and amassed 505 runs, putting himself firmly on the cricketing map. He was part of a formidable Delhi batting lineup that included stalwarts like Virender Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir. Known for his exquisite cover drives and powerful cuts, Dhawan finally donned the Indian jersey in an ODI against Australia in 2010, though he was dismissed for a duck in his debut.
In March 2013, Dhawan’s Test debut against Australia at Mohali was nothing short of spectacular.
. Unlike his first ODI, this outing was memorable as he smashed the fastest Test century on debut, reaching the milestone in just 85 balls. Following this, he became a core part of India’s squad, especially as a reliable opener alongside Rohit Sharma. The partnership played a pivotal role in India’s 2013 ICC Champions Trophy triumph in England, where Dhawan scored 363 runs, including two hundreds.
One of Dhawan’s most memorable innings came during the 2015 Cricket World Cup at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), where he scored a blistering 137 against South Africa, expertly navigating past the formidable South African pace attack of Morne Morkel, Dale Steyn, Wayne Parnell, and Vernon Philander. He cemented his reputation as a player for big occasions. In the ICC 2019 World Cup, Dhawan started strong with a century against Australia but was sidelined by a hairline fracture in his thumb, ruling him out for the rest of the tournament.
Across his IPL career, Dhawan represented various franchises and ended with an impressive tally of 6,769 runs in 222 matches. He was a crucial part of the Sunrisers Hyderabad squad that clinched the IPL title in 2016, forming a dynamic opening partnership with David Warner. However, his international appearances dwindled as the years progressed.
Beyond his batting prowess, Dhawan also took on leadership roles. He captained the Indian team in 15 matches, comprising 12 ODIs and 3 T20Is, and led two IPL franchises—Punjab Kings and Sunrisers Hyderabad—across various seasons, including the now-defunct Champions League T20. His stint as India’s captain saw a win-loss record of 8-5 (with 2 no-results) and included series wins against Sri Lanka (2021) and both the West Indies and South Africa (2022). Nevertheless, his captaincy at the franchise level proved more challenging, with a record of 13 wins against 20 losses.
Dhawan’s legacy in cricket is marked by his consistent performances, charismatic personality, and significant contributions to Indian cricket over more than a decade. His journey from a promising young talent to an integral part of the national team and IPL is a testament to his dedication and skill. As he steps away from the pitch, the cricketing world bids adieu to one of its cherished sons, celebrating an extraordinary career filled with unforgettable moments.