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 a happy man having represented his country in all three formats.
Shikhar Dhawan’s Adieu Tweet
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. His incredible 185 against Australia on his Test debut in Mohali was one of the highlights of his stellar career.
“As I close this chapter of my cricketing journey, I carry with me countless memories and gratitude. Thank you for your love and support! Jai Hind!, “, in a post on X, Dhawan exclaimed.
“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,” he remarked.
Shikhar Dhawan: Cricket Career
Fighter Dhawan, a West Delhi native and product of Sonnet Club, represented India in 34 Tests, 167 ODIs, and 68 T20Is. However, due to inconsistent play and the rise of newer opening players like Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill, Shikhar Dhawan has lost favor in recent years.
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 hundred, he averaged 40.61.
“I am standing at a point in my life where, when I look back, I see only memories, and when I look ahead, I see a new world. I had just one goal in life, to play for India, and I made it happen,” he said.
“I am very thankful to DDCA (Delhi and Districts Cricket Association), 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,” he said in his concluding remarks in the social media post.
A Flimsy Start For Batter Shikhar Dhawan
The batter, who was 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 a number of 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 non-striker, was out of his ground when the opening delivery of the India innings slid out of his hand and dropped on the stumps. The flamboyant Dhawan took full advantage of the Australians’ lack of appeal, setting a new record for the fastest century by a Test debutant.
With his variety of swings and strong hitting, the Delhi swashbuckler was a sight to behold when he was at his best.
The Token Of Gratitude
In addition to creating a fantastic partnership 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 a player.
“I always had one goal in mind which was to play for India, and I achieved it thanks to a lot of people. First of all, my family, my childhood coaches Tarak Sinha and Madan Sharma, under their guidance, I learnt cricket.
“Then my entire team with whom I played for years, got another family, fame and everyone’s love and support. I just say this to myself that don’t be sad that you won’t play for your country again but always be happy that you played for your country. And it’s the biggest achievement for me that I played,” Shikhar Dhawan added in the video.
With 6769 runs from 222 matches, including two hundred and 51 half-centuries, Shikhar Dhawan sis 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.
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