Shikhar Dhawan, one of India’s most celebrated cricketers, announced his retirement from international cricket after a glorious 14-year stint. The 38-year-old left-handed opening batsman took to social media on Saturday morning, 24th August, 2024 to share the news, leaving behind a legacy that will be cherished by cricket fans worldwide.
Retirement Announcement
“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,” Dhawan said in a video posted on his social media accounts. “I am leaving with peace in my heart that I played so long for India. I’ve told myself don’t feel sad that you won’t play for India anymore, but feel happy that you played for the country.“
Dhawan’s Final Appearance
Dhawan last played competitive cricket in April 2024, turning out as the captain for Punjab Kings in the IPL. Across his international career, he compiled 24 centuries from 269 matches—17 in ODIs and seven in Tests—cementing his status as a modern-day great of the limited-overs format.
Dhawan – A Modern Day Great
Known for his consistency in ODIs, Dhawan retires as one of only eight players in the format’s history to score more than 5000 runs at an average of plus 40 with a strike rate above 90. Among Indians, he shared the feat with Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Dhawan had last represented India in the ODI series against Bangladesh in December 2022.
Dhawan’s Test Debut
While Dhawan made his mark across all formats, it was his ODI performances that really set him apart. His journey to international stardom began with a sensational Test debut against Australia in Mohali in 2013, where he smashed an 85-ball century—the fastest by a Test debutant—and went on to score 187 runs in a match-winning effort.
The Real ‘GABBAR’ Of The Champions Trophy
Dhawan’s most prolific year came in 2013 when he scored 1162 runs in ODIs at an average of 50.52 and a strike rate of 97.89. The crowning moment of that year was his outstanding performance in the Champions Trophy, where he scored 363 runs in five innings with two hundreds, which piloted India to victory. This was the start of a potent opening partnership with Rohit Sharma, which, for now, is the fourth-best in ODI history and second-best for India, sitting only behind the legendary opening pair of Sachin Tendulkar and Sourav Ganguly.
Key Contributions
Over the next couple of years, Dhawan continued to excel in multi-team tournaments, topping the charts as India’s highest run-scorer in the 2014 Asia Cup, World Cup 2015, Champions Trophy 2017, and Asia Cup 2018. Thereby, pressure handling developed into his key asset in an India ODI setup.
Injury Setback During the 2019 World Cup
Dhawan’s ODI career was put on the brakes in 2019 when he got injured on the thumb during the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 in England just after scoring a century against Australia at The Oval. Despite the setback, Dhawan’s contributions were recognized as he was entrusted with captaincy duties for India’s second string sides in the latter half of his career.
Gabbar Belting It In The IPL
Dhawan has had some success in IPL teams like Delhi Capitals, Mumbai Indians, Deccan Chargers, Sunrisers Hyderabad and Punjab Kings. Currently, he is the second-highest run-scorer in IPL history, just a run behind Virat Kohli, with 6769 runs from 221 innings, at a strike rate of 127.14.
Dhawan’s Domestic Dominance
But apart from his international and IPL exploits, Dhawan has also been an important domestic cricketer. He was a part of Delhi’s Ranji Trophy-winning team in the 2007-08 season, while at the Under-19 World Cup in 2004 he was the top run-scorer for India.
Farewell to a Legend
As Dhawan retires from international cricket, he leaves behind a legacy of being one of India’s greatest ODI players. What he has accomplished as a player and as a leader is for eternity, and the fans will always remember his fearless batting and trademark celebrations.
The Sportz Planet Desk,
Atharva Shetye
