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.
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.
“With innumerable memories and thanks, I finish this chapter of my cricket adventure. I appreciate all of your kindness and help. In a post on “X,” Dhawan exclaimed, “Jai Hind!”
“I am announcing my retirement from both domestic and international cricket because I believe it’s vital to turn the page and move on in life. I’m at ease knowing that I played cricket for a very long time as I wish my cricket adventure farewell,” he remarked.
Fighter Dhawan, a West Delhi native and product of Sonnet Club, represented India in 34 Tests, 167 ODIs, and 68 T20Is. However, owing to inconsistent play and the rise of newer opening players like Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill, Dhawan has lost popularity in recent years.
He scored 6793 runs at an average of 44.11 in the 50-over format, including 17 hundreds and 39 fifties, which was his greatest total. During his 2315 Test runs, including seven hundreds, he averaged 40.61.
I am in a place in my life where I can look forward and see a new universe, but when I look back, all I see are memories. Playing for India was my one and only life dream, and I achieved it,” he remarked.
“The BCCI, the Delhi and Districts Cricket Association, 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 parting words on social media, he stated, “And that’s the biggest thing that I played.”
The hitter, 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, 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 in his Test debut in Mohali, when 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, Dhawan, though, may 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 an appeal, setting a new record for the quickest century by a Test rookie.
With his variety of swings and strong hitting, the Delhi swashbuckler was a sight to behold when he was at his best.
In addition to creating a fantastic combination with Rohit Sharma at the top of the Indian batting order, Dhawan did not forget to express his gratitude to those who helped him become a player.
“I always knew I wanted to play for India, and a lot of people helped me achieve that goal.” First and foremost, my family; I learned cricket from my childhood instructors, Madan Sharma and Tarak Sinha.
“After that, my whole team, with whom I spent years playing, gained notoriety, affection, and support from all.” I simply tell myself to never be depressed about not being able to play for your nation again and to always be grateful that you did. And playing it was my greatest accomplishment to yet,” Dhawan continued in the video.
With 6769 runs from 222 matches, including two hundreds and 51 half-centuries, he is a true IPL legend.
In addition to becoming the first hitter 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 squad 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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