Shikhar Dhawan Retires: Top 5 Knocks Of Gabbar In International Cricket
Very few cricketers evoke the same flair and tenacity as Shikhar Dhawan. Fondly nicknamed “Gabbar,” Shikhar Dhawan’s career has spanned a decade and is a story of grit, elegance, and an undying love for the game. His journey from the dust-bowl grounds of Delhi to the pinnacle of international cricket shall be remembered not only for the runs he scored but also for the style in which he played the game—always with an infectious smile and an aggressive yet graceful style. On the day Shikhar Dhawan announced his retirement from international cricket, what needed to be done was to turn back and see those innings which shaped his legacy. Be it his dazzling debut or the match-winning performances in high-pressure games, Dhawan’s career forms a collection of iconic moments forever etched in the memory of cricket fans globally. Here, revisit five of his most memorable innings that define his contribution to Indian cricket. 1. Debut – 187 vs Australia, 2010 Dhawan’s Test debut against Australia was nothing short of spectacular. Facing a formidable Australian bowling attack, the Delhi-born cricketer announced his arrival with a breathtaking 187, setting the record for the highest score by an Indian on Test debut. His innings was adjudged to be an exemplary combination of confidence and skill which put his skillful abilities with the bat in the limelight and scripted the foundation for India’s victory. This knock not only secured the victory but was also a starting point in Dhawan’s journey as one of the pivotal figures in the Indian batting line-up. 2. Champions Trophy 2013 – 137 vs England The situation was clear: any runs would count in the ICC Champions Trophy final in 2013. That 137 for Dhawan was of paramount importance in the context of India’s chase. His association with Virat Kohli turned out to be the deciding factor, and his ability to perform under pressure earned him the Player of the Tournament award. This knock testified more to his ability to rise to any situation and play match-winning innings whenever it really mattered. 3. ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 – 137 vs South Africa One of Dhawan’s most memorable innings was saved for a strong South African bowling attack during the 2015 ICC World Cup. His 137 off 146 balls helped India post a challenging total and secure a crucial win against one of the tournament’s top contenders. Playing in Melbourne, Dhawan’s knock broke India’s jinx against South Africa in World Cups and proved he can perform on the biggest stage. 4. India’s Tour Of Sri Lanka 2017 – 190 vs Sri Lanka Dhawan’s 190 off 168 balls against Sri Lanka during the Galle Test was an example of his attacking bent of mind in the game’s longer format. His blistering innings set up the scene for a comprehensive Indian victory, underlining his reputation as one of the most dangerous batsmen in the team. This aggressive and incisive knock would go a long way in proving that Dhawan has the mettle to dominate any bowling attack in any format. 5. West Indies Tour Of India 2018 – 190 vs West Indies When Dhawan needed reaffirmation in his Test career, he came up with a masterclass in the form of a knock of 190 against the West Indies in Rajkot. Runs came both in terms of elegance and power, as Dhawan’s innings saw him hit 26 fours, proving very crucial to India’s victory. This not only reinstated his place in the Test team but also proved that Dhawan could adapt and do well in any situation. As Shikhar Dhawan walks into the sunset of international cricket, it will be recalled not only for the runs he scored but also for the manner in which he played the game—being infectious with his smile, fearless in his approach, and always rising to the occasion. His legacy thus is one of flair, resilience and rising to an occasion with what looked like never-say-die attitude—his contribution to Indian cricket, in general, cannot be belittled. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
SL vs IND: Sri Lanka Tame India after 27 Years
After 27 long years, Sri Lanka has managed to end its losing streak in ODI series against India. The last time the island nation was successful against India was back in 1997 when the former defeated India by a margin of 3-0. Sri Lanka Sets Challenging Target Sri Lanka, through its sterling performance, managed to trounce India in the third and final ODI by 110 runs to notch up their first-ever series victory over India in the 50-over format since 1997. This victory was therefore a huge one, given that it came just after they failed to qualify for the upcoming Champions Trophy. India Faces Tough Chase Thanks to Avishka Fernando’s impressive 96 runs, Sri Lanka set a 248-run target. In the first two ODIs, India had struggled to chase targets of 231 and 241; a highest target of the series against Sri Lanka on a dry, difficult pitch was always going to be tough. India started well in their chase with the smashing of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli on the other hand misfired. The other Indian batters fell quickly in the face of some good spin magic by Wellalage and lost six wickets in under 13 overs. Dunith Wellalage was the star for Sri Lanka with his left-arm spin, picking four of the first six Indian wickets. He removed Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. India’s middle-order collapse saw them lose a record 24 wickets to spin in this series, any bilateral ODI series. At 92/6, India still had Shivam Dube and debutant Riyan Parag at the crease. Parag, included to beef up the middle order, was bowled by Jeffrey Vandersay. Another change in the team, Rishabh Pant replacing KL Rahul, didn’t make much of a difference. Also know more on Riyan Parag’s ODI debut for the Indian Cricket Team against Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka Seals the Win Wellalage cleaned up Kuldeep Yadav to claim his fifth wicket as India’s innings folded for 138 in 26.1 overs. Nine of India’s wickets fell to spin, and Wellalage became the first spinner to take a five-wicket haul against India more than once. Sri Lanka’s Strong Start Earlier, Sri Lanka openers Pathum Nissanka and Fernando shared a solid 89-run opening stand. Axar Patel broke the opening stand as Nissanka was dismissed. Fernando batted well as he hit a half-century before getting out to Parag, who ended up taking three wickets. Despite losing the middle order, Kusal Mendis scored a final overs fifty to help Sri Lanka add 31 runs in the last three overs. Memorable Series Win for Sri Lanka The total proved to be more than adequate as Sri Lanka pulled off a memorable series win – its first set of back-to-back ODI victories over India since August 2010. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
SL vs IND: Team India’s ODI Team Combination Blueprint
The Indian Cricket Team would be taking on Sri Lanka in a day’s time. The T20I leg of the series starts from the 27th of July, 2024 with the 1st T20I at Pallekele, Sri Lanka. The ODI’s start from the 2nd of August, 2024 in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Focussing on the ODI’s, the Indian Cricket Team is in search of balance and right combinations as the men in blue prepare for the Champions Trophy 2025 and also the ICC Men’s ODI World Cup 2027. However, there are a couple of questions to be answered. The Best Fit Out of KL Rahul, Shreyas Iyer and Rishabh Pant? The ODI squad composition is under scrutiny, particularly the middle-order spots. With Rohit, Gill and Kohli cemented at the top and Hardik Pandya’s place secured when fit, the selectors face a dilemma. KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer, once mainstays, now find their positions challenged by Rishabh Pant. Pant’s recovery and subsequent performance have put him back in contention, making the Sri Lanka ODIs crucial for these players to stake their claim. The selectors might have to make tough choices, balancing between batting depth and allrounder utility. What Can We Expect from India’s Fast-Bowling Cartel? Managing a heavy test match schedule on the horizon is a must. Jasprit Bumrah has been rested while Mohammed Shami is on a comeback trail from injury. Mohammed Siraj is expected to lead the bowling attack in both formats during the tour. Arshdeep Singh, having established himself in T20Is will look to impress in the 50-over format. Khaleel Ahmed and Harshit Rana, selected for T20Is and ODIs respectively, along with Mukesh Kumar, Avesh Khan, and Mayank Yadav, have opportunities to make a mark in the Indian bowling lineup. With the questions on the right player to man the middle order and the rising stars set to take responsibility, India’s tour of Sri Lanka surely is going to be a ‘Gambhir Maamla’ to watch out for. Also read about what’s happening with the Indian Cricket Team in T20Is here. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
