Shikhar Dhawan, one of India's most celebrated opening batsmen, has officially announced his retirement from all forms of international and domestic cricket. The 38-year-old cricketer, known for his swashbuckling style and distinctive mustache, made the announcement today through a heartfelt post on his social media platforms, marking the end of an illustrious career spanning over a decade.
Dhawan, often fondly referred to as "Gabbar" by fans and teammates alike, has been a pivotal figure in Indian cricket. He made his debut for the Indian national team in 2010 in a T20I against the West Indies, but it was his explosive century on Test debut against Australia in 2013 that truly put him on the map. Dhawan's aggressive yet graceful style of play made him a fan favorite and a nightmare for bowlers across the globe.
Throughout his career, Dhawan played 167 ODIs, amassing over 6,500 runs at an impressive average of 44.90, including 17 centuries. He was particularly known for his stellar performances in ICC tournaments, where he consistently delivered match-winning performances. In the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy, Dhawan emerged as the tournament's highest run-scorer, helping India clinch the title. His performances in the 2015 and 2019 ICC World Cups further solidified his reputation as a big-match player.
In Test cricket, Dhawan played 34 matches, scoring 2,315 runs with seven centuries to his name. Although his Test career saw ups and downs, his contributions in the limited-overs format remained invaluable to the Indian team.“My Test debut is my personal favourite. I came into the team and made that record. I scored 187. I always used to dream of playing for India and making world records. I wasn't even aware of the world record. I was just happy to cement my place in the Test team," said Dhawan.
Shikhar Dhawan's retirement marks the end of an era for Indian cricket. His contributions, particularly in white-ball cricket, have left an indelible mark on the sport. Known for his flamboyant stroke play, electric fielding, and infectious energy on the field, Dhawan's presence will be sorely missed by fans and teammates alike.
While he has retired from active cricket, Dhawan has expressed his intention to stay connected to the game. "Cricket has given me everything, and I want to give back to the sport in whatever way I can. Coaching, mentoring, or even commentary—I'm exploring all options," he said.
