In a heartfelt announcement on Saturday, August 24, former Indian cricketer Shikhar Dhawan declared his retirement from both international and domestic cricket. Known for his aggressive style and consistency in ICC tournaments, Shikhar Dhawan, often referred to as “Mr. ICC,” leaves behind a legacy marked by significant achievements and memorable performances. His last appearance for India was during the ODI series against Bangladesh in December 2022, after which Shubman Gill took over his spot in the team.
The 38-year-old left-handed batsman, who made his international debut against Australia in an ODI in Visakhapatnam, didn’t have an auspicious start, being dismissed for a two-ball duck. However, he made a strong comeback in 2013, establishing himself as a vital player for India across all formats. In a video message shared on his social media accounts, Shikhar Dhawan expressed his gratitude towards his fans and everyone who supported him throughout his career. “I always had one goal in mind, that was to play for India, and I achieved it thanks to a lot of people. First of all, my family, my childhood coach Tarak Sinha, and Madan Sharma,” Shikhar Dhawan said in his farewell message.
Shikhar Dhawan’s career is filled with remarkable milestones. He made his Test debut on March 16, 2013, and immediately grabbed headlines by scoring the fastest century on debut, reaching the hundred mark in just 85 balls against Australia. His performance earned him recognition as one of the most formidable openers in Indian cricket. He further cemented his place in cricket history by winning the ‘Golden Bat’ for being the highest run-scorer in consecutive editions of the ICC Champions Trophy, in 2013 and 2017. Shikhar Dhawan’s stellar performances in ICC tournaments earned him the nickname “Mr. ICC,” and he was India’s leading run-scorer in the 2015 ODI World Cup.
Throughout his career, Shikhar Dhawan represented India in 167 ODIs, amassing 6793 runs at an impressive average of 44.11 and a strike rate of 91.35, including 17 centuries and 39 fifties. His T20I career saw him play 68 matches, scoring 1759 runs at an average of 27.92 and a strike rate of 126.36, with 11 half-centuries. In Test cricket, Shikhar Dhawan played 34 matches, scoring 2315 runs at an average of 40.61, including seven centuries and five fifties.
Reflecting on his journey, Shikhar Dhawan mentioned, “I have the satisfaction that I played a lot for my country. I’m really thankful to the BCCI and DDCA for giving me this opportunity and to all my fans for their love and support.” Even after retiring from international and domestic cricket, Shikhar Dhawan plans to continue playing in the Indian Premier League (IPL), where he has been a prominent figure over the years.
Shikhar Dhawan’s departure from the international cricket scene marks the end of an era, but his contributions and the memories he has created will continue to inspire aspiring cricketers and fans alike.
