Two years after donning the national jersey for the last time, veteran Indian opener Shikhar Dhawan declared his retirement from all forms of cricket, stating he is leaving the game happy, having represented his country in all three formats.
The 38-year-old played his final 50-over encounter for India against Bangladesh in 2022. He made his debut on the international front in an ODI against Australia in Visakhapatnam in 2010.
“I am grateful and full of memories as I conclude this chapter of my cricket adventure. I appreciate all of your kindness and help. “Jai Hind!” Shikhar Dhawan wrote on X.
“I am announcing my retirement from domestic and international cricket because I believe it is vital to turn the page and move forward. I’m at ease knowing that I played cricket for a very long time, and I wish my cricket journey farewell,” he remarked.
Fighter Shikhar Dhawan, a West Delhi native and product of Sonnet Club, represented India in 34 Tests, 167 ODIs, and 68 T20Is. However, in recent years, his inconsistent play and the rise of newer opening players like Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill have caused him to lose favour.
He scored 6793 runs at an average of 44.11 in the 50-over format, including 17 hundred and 39 fifties, which was his best total. During his 2315 Test runs, including seven hundreds, he averaged 40.61.
I’m at a place in my life where, looking forward, I see a new world, and looking back, all I see are memories. Playing for India was my only life dream, and I achieved it,” he remarked.
“The Delhi and Districts Cricket Association (DDCA), the BCCI, and my supporters have my sincere gratitude. I remind myself that instead of being upset that I won’t be able to play for India again, I should be glad that I was able to represent my nation. In his closing statements on social media, he stated, “And that’s the biggest thing that I played.”
The batter, born in Delhi, had an unmemorable debut for his country when he was out for a two-ball duck.
After some early setbacks, Shikhar Dhawan rejoined the Indian squad in 2013 and solidified his spot in all three formats with some outstanding performances, which included winning Player of the Tournament during India’s victorious Champions Trophy campaign in England.
His spectacular 185 against Australia on his Test debut in Mohali, where he stormed to his century in just 85 balls with a barrage of boundaries, was one of the highlights of his successful career.
On his Test debut, Shikhar Dhawan, though, might have been out even before he faced a ball. Mitchell Starc, the debutant, was caught off guard by the first delivery of the India innings, which skidded out of his hand and dropped on the stumps at the non-striker’s end.
The flamboyant Shikhar Dhawan took full advantage of the Australians’ lack of appeal, setting a new record for the fastest century by a Test debutant.
With his various swings and strong hitting, the Delhi swashbuckler was a sight to behold when he was at his best.
After creating a solid combination with Rohit Sharma at the top of the Indian batting order, Shikhar Dhawan did not forget to express his gratitude to those who helped him become the player he is today.
“Playing for India was my only goal, which I accomplished with the help of many people. First and foremost, my family learned cricket from my childhood coach, Tarak Sinha, and my childhood mentor, Madan Sharma.
“Then my entire team, with whom I played for years, got another family, fame, and everyone’s love and support.”
“I simply tell myself always to be glad that I played for my country and never be upset that I won’t be able to play for it again. And playing it was my greatest accomplishment yet,” Shikhar Dhawan continued in the video.
With 6769 runs from 222 matches, including two hundred and 51 half-centuries, he is a true IPL legend.
In addition to being the first batter to hit consecutive hundreds in the competition, he has the most fours in the tournament (768), more than any other batter.
He played for the 2016 Sunrisers Hyderabad team that won the championship. In addition, he has played for Punjab, Mumbai, and Delhi. He led Delhi and Punjab at different points in his career.
Due to fitness concerns, he had only participated in five of Punjab’s games this season.