Shikhar Dhawan, the swashbuckling Indian opening batsman, has bid farewell to international cricket after a remarkable journey spanning over a decade. The left-handed batter, known for his aggressive and entertaining batting style, announced his retirement on Saturday, leaving behind a legacy of impactful performances and a crucial role in shaping India’s cricketing success.
Dhawan’s career was marked by a period of exceptional dominance alongside Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, where the trio formed a formidable opening partnership, collectively racking up a century of centuries. Reflecting on their shared journey, Dhawan fondly reminisced, “We were part of a beautiful journey together. I clearly remember that Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and I scored 100 centuries in 5 years,” he shared with The Hindustan Times. “Ravi (Shastri) bhai was our coach then.” This remarkable feat was achieved across all three formats of the game, with Dhawan contributing 23 centuries, Rohit adding 30, and Kohli smashing a phenomenal 49, between June 2013 and June 2019.
In a heartfelt video message posted on social media, Dhawan expressed gratitude towards those who played pivotal roles in shaping his career. He acknowledged the contributions of numerous coaches, including Duncan Fletcher, Sanjay Bangar, Vikram Rathour, Rahul Dravid, and Ravi Shastri. He also extended his appreciation to the fielding and batting coaches, the National Cricket Academy (NCA), and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for their unwavering support.
While Dhawan’s career reached its peak during the 2013-2019 period, his journey was not without its challenges. He endured periods of exclusion from the team, including missing the 2011 World Cup, highlighting the competitive nature of international cricket. However, his resilience and dedication shone through, and he returned to the fold with renewed determination, becoming a vital cog in India’s batting lineup.
After a standout performance in the 2019 World Cup, where he scored a century against Australia, Dhawan unfortunately sustained an injury and was ruled out for the remainder of the tournament. This marked a turning point in his career, as the emergence of talented young openers like Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal eventually led to a decline in his playing opportunities.
Dhawan’s contribution to Indian cricket is undeniable. He has amassed 2315 runs in 34 Test matches, averaging 40.61 with seven centuries and five half-centuries. In limited-overs cricket, his record is even more impressive. He played 167 ODIs and 68 T20Is, scoring 6793 and 1759 runs respectively. His ODI average of 44.11 stands as a testament to his consistency in the format. Notably, Dhawan scored 17 centuries in ODIs, along with 39 half-centuries, adding further depth to his already impressive resume.
As Shikhar Dhawan steps away from international cricket, he leaves behind a legacy that will be remembered for his aggressive batting style, his crucial contribution to India’s success, and his unwavering dedication to the sport. His journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring cricketers, demonstrating the power of perseverance, resilience, and a passion for the game.
