Shikhar Dhawan has announced his retirement from international and domestic cricket, bringing an end to a distinguished career spanning over 13 years. Dhawan took to social media to share the news, expressing his gratitude and satisfaction with his journey in cricket.
“It’s important to turn the page to move forward in a story, and in life. That’s why I am announcing my retirement from international and domestic cricket,” Dhawan said in his retirement video. “I’ve told myself to not feel sad that you won’t play for India again, but feel happy that you played for the country.”
Dhawan, 38, played 34 Tests, 167 ODIs, and 68 T20Is for India, amassing 2,315, 6,793, and 1,579 runs respectively. His last appearance for India was an ODI against Bangladesh in December 2022, while his final T20I was played in Sri Lanka in July 2021. Dhawan had not featured in a Test match since 2018, and his last competitive appearance was for Punjab Kings in the 2024 IPL, where an injury cut his season short.
A Glorious Career
Shikhar Dhawan first rose to prominence during the 2004 Under-19 World Cup, where he scored three centuries and amassed 505 runs. His elegant cover drives and powerful cuts became a trademark of his batting style. Despite a disappointing ODI debut against Australia in 2010, Dhawan made an unforgettable Test debut in 2013 against the same opposition, scoring the fastest century by a debutant in just 85 balls at Mohali.
Dhawan’s partnership with Rohit Sharma at the top of the order became one of India’s most successful opening combinations. The duo played a key role in India’s victorious 2013 Champions Trophy campaign, where Dhawan scored 363 runs, including two centuries. His 137 against South Africa in the 2015 World Cup remains one of his most memorable innings.
Despite his prowess in all formats, Dhawan’s ODI achievements stand out. He is one of only eight batsmen in ODI history to have scored over 5,000 runs with an average of 40-plus and a strike rate of over 90. His contributions in multi-team tournaments, including the Asia Cup and the Champions Trophy, solidified his reputation as a man for big occasions.
IPL and Domestic Success
In the Indian Premier League (IPL), Dhawan was a consistent performer, scoring 6,769 runs across 222 matches. He played for multiple franchises, including Delhi Capitals, Mumbai Indians, Deccan Chargers, Sunrisers Hyderabad, and Punjab Kings. He was a key player in Sunrisers Hyderabad’s title-winning campaign in 2016 and formed a formidable partnership with David Warner.
On the domestic front, Dhawan was part of Delhi’s Ranji Trophy-winning team in 2007-08 and was the top run-scorer for India at the 2004 Under-19 World Cup.
As Dhawan bids farewell to the game, he leaves behind a legacy of elegance, consistency, and grace at the top of India’s batting order. His contributions to Indian cricket, particularly in ODIs, have earned him a place among the modern greats of the game.