India’s celebrated opener, Shikhar Dhawan, officially announced his retirement from international and domestic cricket on Saturday, August 24. The 38-year-old cricketer took to social media to share the emotional decision with his fans and the cricketing community, marking the end of a remarkable chapter in Indian cricket. Dhawan, who made his international debut in 2010, leaves behind a legacy of aggressive batting and memorable performances, especially in the white-ball format.
Shikhar Dhawan’s Stellar Career
Shikhar Dhawan burst onto the scene in 2013 during his Test debut against Australia in Mohali, where he played one of the most memorable knocks by a debutant. Filling the shoes of the legendary Virender Sehwag, Dhawan smashed an astonishing 185 runs off just 168 balls, racing to his century in a mere 85 deliveries. This explosive innings not only announced his arrival on the international stage but also cemented his place in the Indian Test side.
While Dhawan’s Test career was relatively short, with only 34 matches, his impact in limited-overs cricket was profound. He played 167 ODIs and 68 T20Is, scoring 6,793 and 1,759 runs, respectively. Known for his consistency and flair in ICC tournaments, Dhawan was India’s top scorer in the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy, the 2015 ICC World Cup, and the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy, playing pivotal roles in India’s success during these tournaments.
His partnership with Rohit Sharma at the top of the order became one of the most successful opening pairs in ODI history, amassing 5,148 runs together in 115 innings at an average of 45.55. Alongside Virat Kohli at number three, this trio dominated world cricket, forming the backbone of India’s batting lineup throughout the 2010s.
Virender Sehwag’s Message for Dhawan
As Dhawan bids farewell to his illustrious career, former Indian opener Virender Sehwag, who Dhawan replaced in the Test team, shared a heartfelt message. Sehwag, who never made a return to the Indian team after his ouster in 2012, acknowledged Dhawan’s significant contributions and his ability to make the most of the opportunities that came his way.
“Badhaai ho Shikkhi (Congratulations, Shikhar). Ever since the time you replaced me in Mohali, you didn’t look back and some top performances over the years. May you continue to have fun and live life to the fullest. Very best wishes always,” Sehwag wrote in his social media post.
This message from Sehwag not only reflects the mutual respect between the two cricketers but also highlights the smooth transition Dhawan ensured when stepping into the shoes of a legend like Sehwag.
Dhawan’s Emotional Farewell
In his retirement video, Dhawan spoke about the importance of moving forward and how he has come to terms with the end of his cricketing journey. “It’s important to turn the page to move forward in life, and that’s why I am announcing my retirement from international and domestic cricket. As I bid goodbye to my cricket journey, I have peace in my heart that I played for so long.”
Dhawan also expressed his gratitude to the Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA), the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), and his fans. “I am very thankful to DDCA, the BCCI, and my fans. And that’s why I tell myself, don’t be sad that you won’t play for India again but be happy that you played for your country. And that’s the biggest thing for me, that I played.”
Shikhar Dhawan, affectionately known as “Gabbar” for his exuberant personality on and off the field, will be remembered not just for his runs but for the spirit with which he played the game. Whether it was his signature mustache-twirling celebrations or his crucial contributions in ICC tournaments, Dhawan has left an indelible mark on Indian cricket.
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