Shikhar Dhawan, a key figure in India’s cricket team, has retired from all forms of cricket. He broke the news on Saturday via a sincere social media update. His retirement brings to close over ten years of impressive cricket. Dhawan is known for his powerful batting, signature mustache style, and lively persona. His consistent performance and elegant batting style certainly leaves a mark in Indian cricket history.
READ MORE: Naseem and Hamza’s Three-Fors Dismantle Bangladesh A for 122 in Islamabad
Shikhar Dhawan: A Glorious Chapter Comes to an End
Saying goodbye, Shikhar Dhawan looked back at his career with modesty and honor. “Life calls for moving ahead, so I’m retiring from cricket, both international and domestic,” he shared. This seasoned player competed in the IPL 2024 for Punjab Kings.
Dhawan’s choice wraps up a notable career filled with unforgettable events. In his 269 international games, he made 24 hundreds (17 in ODIs, seven in Tests). Dhawan stands as one of India’s steady cricket players. His path, oozing with bounce-back power and style, witnessed early hurdles. Yet, he climbed his way to the top as a prime starter in limited-overs cricket.
A Force in Limited-Overs Cricket
In ODI cricket, Dhawan scored 6793 runs in 167 matches with a powerful average of 44.11. His strike rate was an impressive 91.35. This brilliance put him among the best openers. Only eight players globally could match his achievement of over 5000 ODI runs, a 40-plus average, and a 90-plus strike rate. His consistent good play made him crucial for India in white-ball cricket, notably in large tournaments.
The turning of the tide happened in 2013 for Dhawan. Following an unstable ODI beginning, he surged forward with a smashing performance in the Champions Trophy, hitting 363 runs across five turns. His daring play and repeat centuries pushed India to the win and hinted at a bright future for the opening batter. Moreover, this triumph also opened the door to his famed partnership with Rohit Sharma. They are one of ODI history’s most productive duos.
READ MORE: BCCI Eases Under-19 Participation Rules, Extends Eligibility for Players
Test Debut and Early Promise
Dhawan is well-known for his impressive ODI performances as well as his Test matches. In 2013, his first test match was unforgettable. Additionally, he hit a historic 85-ball century against Australia in Mohali. His 187-run inning is still a standout debut in Test cricket. Playing 34 Tests, Dhawan scored a total of 2315 runs with an average of 40.61, which includes seven centuries. Even though he sometimes had a hard time in red-ball cricket, his crucial inputs marked various important Test series.
Shikhar Dhawan: A Leader and a Mentor
Dhawan’s global play advanced, and he stepped up into guiding duties. This happened when main team members couldn’t play in the short-form series. His peaceable nature and upbeat approach made him stand out to rookie team members. He established his status as a team lead, not just during games but also outside.
Dhawan played in the IPL for many teams, like Delhi Capitals, Sunrisers Hyderabad, and Punjab Kings. He finished his IPL stint as the number two top run-scorer, gathering 6769 runs with a 127.14 strike rate over 222 games. His constant game performance and wealth of experience were gold in domestic cricket. Furthermore, he scored big too with Delhi, grabbing victory in the Ranji Trophy of 2007-08.
Conclusion
Shikhar Dhawan hanging up his gloves signals a landmark shift in Indian cricket. His bold play in ICC matches, paired with his steadfast leadership, added memorable chapters to cricket. As he leaves the game’s competitive realm, young cricketers take inspiration from his path. Leaving the pitch, Dhawan stands tall, satisfied with the fond moments crafted and his imprint on the beloved sport.
