Shikhar Dhawan Bids Adieu To Cricket Career
Having played for India across 34 Tests, 167 ODIs, and 68 T20Is, Shikhar Dhawan has chosen to retire from international and domestic cricket. The left-handed batsman publicized his decision via social media, marking the end of a career that saw him score a total of 11,687 runs across all formats.
"In life, like in a story, turning the page is vital for moving forward. Therefore, I am announcing my retirement from international and domestic cricket,” Dhawan communicated in his retirement video, choosing optimism and reminiscence over disappointment.
Dhawan, aged 38, last represented India in an ODI against Bangladesh at Chattogram in December 2022. His most recent T20I was against Sri Lanka in July 2021 while he last appeared in a Test match for India in 2018. An injury prematurely ended his final competitive season which he spent playing for Punjab Kings in the IPL 2024 against Sunrisers Hyderabad.
The batsman thanked his family, fans, childhood coaches, and the numerous Indian and IPL teams he was part of throughout his remarkable career. A key moment in his early career was the 2004 U-19 World Cup, where Dhawan scored three centuries, scoring notable 505 runs. He subsequently became part of the formidable Delhi batting order alongside Virender Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir.
Dhawan's talents were officially recognized in 2010 when he made his ODI debut for India against Australia. Despite being dismissed for a duck, he bounced back to mark a memorable Test debut in 2013, where he scored the fastest Test century debut in just 85 deliveries.
In the Cricket World Cup 2015 Dhawan's 137 not out against South Africa was a particularly memorable performance. On a more dampened note, a hairline thumb fracture at the 2019 World Cup ruled him out of the remainder of the tournament, post a hundred against Australia.
Over his 222-game IPL career, Dhawan scored a commendable 6,769 runs, also contributing to a championship win with the Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2016. As the decade turned, however, his international appearances became increasingly irregular.
