In a significant step towards reshaping India’s grassroots cricket ecosystem, Shikhar Dhawan’s Da One Sports has officially launched its first-ever High Performance Centre (HPC) at the Aditya World Cricket Academy in Gwalior. Partnering with the Madhya Pradesh League and Bundelkhand Bulls, this initiative marks the beginning of an ambitious nationwide vision to build a structured, professional pathway for India’s next generation of cricketers.
Guided by the vision of the iconic Indian opener and Arjuna Award recipient, the centre aims to tap into the immense, often overlooked cricketing potential of Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, bringing world-class infrastructure directly to emerging talent.
“Cricket has given me everything, and I have always felt a strong responsibility to give back to the sport in a meaningful way,” Dhawan said during the launch. “Having experienced the journey myself, I understand what it takes to prepare champions at the highest level. With Da One Sports, our vision is to create a system that nurtures young talent with the right guidance, structure and mindset, so they are better equipped to succeed.”
The Gwalior HPC boasts professional-grade infrastructure, featuring turf and synthetic pitches, all-weather training nets, strength and conditioning facilities, and dedicated recovery zones. It will integrate technology-driven tools such as video analysis to meticulously track athlete progression. However, for Dhawan, the hardware is only as good as the system driving it.
Speaking to RevSportz, Dhawan emphasised that the true differentiator lies in coaching and holistic development programmes. “We are making sure that we bring in really high-quality coaches,” he explained. “It is crucial that kids, especially in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, receive proper guidance to build a solid foundational base. But it’s not just about cricket; it’s about building a good human being. We focus on the mental aspect as well and have brought in mentors, because kids often get mentally tangled. We need to guide them in that direction too.”
To ensure this gold standard of training, the Da One HPC will be spearheaded by former India cricketer Saba Karim as Technical Director. He will be joined by Madan Sharma, Dhawan’s childhood coach, who brings over 30 years of scouting and coaching expertise.
“All the strategies go through me because of my vast experience in cricket,” Dhawan noted. “We have structured this in a completely professional manner. Just like when we played for India, the entire squad revolved around a core group. Similarly, this is our core team, equipped with vast experience. Our thinking is sound, our ethics and values are strong, and the results will take care of themselves.”
The launch in Gwalior is also a collaborative success. Anshita Gupta, CEO of Da One Group, highlighted the synergy of the partnership: “We are proud to partner with the Madhya Pradesh League, Bundelkhand Bulls, and Aditya World Cricket Academy to bring this vision to life. This collaboration enables us to build a strong, structured ecosystem that supports athlete development at every stage.”
Local stakeholders echoed this enthusiasm. Shri Mahanaarayaman Scindia, President of the MPCA – whom Dhawan credited for his immense support in bringing the centre to Gwalior – remarked: “Investing in grassroots cricket ensures a strong pipeline of talent, making India’s cricket ecosystem sustainable, competitive and globally dominant in the years ahead.”
Looking ahead, Dhawan’s ambitions extend far beyond Madhya Pradesh. “I always like to have a big vision,” he told RevSportz. “I see these centres opening and performing well in many cities. But I always tell my team: opening is one thing; maintaining it is another. I will be very happy if players from our academy go on to play in their respective leagues and eventually for India. It’s a long process, but seeing youngsters grow benefits them, their families and the country.”
Dhawan’s post-retirement life is increasingly defined by his commitment to service, a philosophy deeply ingrained in him since childhood. “A person can only give when they have something,” Dhawan shared. “I got this mindset of seva bhav (spirit of service) from my family. From the beginning, even when I was young, they encouraged me to serve at temples and gurdwaras.”
This spirit is formalised through the Shikhar Dhawan Foundation, which recently achieved a major milestone by receiving its FCRA approval. With his partner Sophie now heading the foundation, their philanthropic efforts are expanding rapidly.
Dhawan detailed two key initiatives close to his heart:
Digital Shiksha: Working closely with the Delhi government, this programme equips underprivileged schools with technology and digital tools, empowering children to succeed in life.
Livelihood on Wheels: A transformative initiative for specially abled individuals. “We provide them with customised vehicles and collaborate with brands to create employment opportunities,” Dhawan explained. “People who were previously unable to work now have jobs and have even bought their own homes. A sense of self-achievement emerges, and their lives take a complete turn.”
For Shikhar Dhawan, whether it is building structured pathways for aspiring cricketers in Gwalior or bringing technology to underprivileged classrooms, the mission remains the same. “Becoming nature’s medium for good – what could be better than that?” he reflected. “If God has blessed me with success and I can use it in service, then why not?”
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