Image source– Twitter/ X handle
Shikhar Dhawan has announced his retirement from all forms of cricket, and it’s the end of an incredible journey that began back in 2004 with the Under-19 team. Over the years, Dhawan has been a key player for India, known for his attacking style, powerful shots, and that ever-present smile. From his debut to his recent performances, he’s given us countless memories to cherish. Today, as he steps away from the game, all of us Indian fans will miss seeing “Gabbar” on the field, bringing his energy and passion to every match.
● Across Formats: Shikhar Dhawan’s Stellar Numbers for India
Shikhar Dhawan represented India in all three formats of the game, playing a total of 269 matches, with most of his appearances coming in the shorter formats, where he truly excelled. He scored an impressive 10,867 runs for India across these formats, consistently maintaining a strong average and a healthy strike rate. However, it was in One Day Internationals (ODIs) where Dhawan truly made his mark, scoring 6,793 runs in 167 games at an average of 44.11 and a strike rate of 91.35, including 17 centuries.
In Test cricket, Dhawan played 34 matches, amassing 2,315 runs at an average of 40.61 with 7 centuries, showcasing his adaptability and skill in the longer format. Though his T20I numbers are respectable, with 1,759 runs in 68 games at an average of 27.92 and a strike rate of 126.36, Dhawan might look back and feel he could have contributed more in this format. Nonetheless, his contributions across all forms of the game have been significant, leaving a lasting impact on Indian cricket.
● Shikhar Dhawan’s U-19 World Cup Brilliance: A Record-Breaking Start
Shikhar Dhawan first captured the cricketing world’s attention in 2004 with one of the most memorable performances in Under-19 World Cup history. In the tournament held in Bangladesh, Dhawan’s incredible display of batting brilliance saw him amass 505 runs at an average of 84.61 and a strike rate of 93.51. His dominant showing not only propelled him into the media limelight but also established him as a rising star in Indian cricket. For 18 years, Dhawan’s record for the most runs in a single U-19 World Cup stood unchallenged—a feat that speaks volumes about the quality of his performance. It was only in 2022 that this record was narrowly surpassed by Dewald Brevis by a single run, reminding us just how extraordinary Dhawan’s achievement was. His fearless and dynamic batting style left an indelible mark on the tournament and foretold the greatness that was to come.
Shikhar Dhawan’s dazzling style of play quickly grabbed attention, but he had to wait six long years to represent India. During this time, India boasted a formidable opening pair in Sehwag and Gambhir, dominating all formats of the game. Delhi, known for its explosive talent and fiery batsmen, was the focal point of top-order excellence, with Dhawan’s explosive batting on the cusp of breaking through. His eventual rise came as no surprise, as Delhi and its firecrackers were always in the headlines, showcasing the city’s knack for producing cricketing stars.
● Contrasting Debuts: Dhawan’s Brief ODI Start and Stunning Test Arrival
Shikhar Dhawan’s debut against Australia had two very different stories. In 2010, Dhawan’s ODI debut in Vizag was a tough start. He came in to chase a big target, but after just two balls, his off stump was sent flying by Clint McKay, making his long wait of six years end in disappointment.
However, his Test debut later that year in Mohali was a thrilling success. Replacing Virender Sehwag after Sehwag’s struggles, Dhawan faced the same Australian bowlers but with a different mindset. He showed incredible confidence, taking on the Aussies with stylish cover drives and square drives on Mohali’s green field. In just 85 balls, Dhawan scored a stunning century, making a memorable entrance with his trademark moustache twirl.
After this, Dhawan didn’t looked back.
● THE KING OF ICC TOURNAMENTS
Shikhar Dhawan, known as the “KING OF ICC TOURNAMENTS,” always shone brightest on the biggest stages. Whether it was the 2013 Champions Trophy, the 2015 ODI World Cup, the 2017 Champions Trophy, or his remarkable century against Australia in the 2019 World Cup despite a fractured thumb, Dhawan consistently delivered when it mattered most. He has scored 1,238 runs in these tournaments at an impressive average of 65.15 and a strike rate of 98.25, with six centuries and four fifties. His average in World Cups and Champions Trophies is the highest among all players with at least 1,000 runs in these events, surpassing cricketing greats like Vivian Richards, Saeed Anwar, Virat Kohli, and Kane Williamson.
● Shikhar Dhawan: A Fearless Warrior in the Spotlight and Beyond
Shikhar Dhawan never cared much for the spotlight or the attention—his main focus was always on winning. Known for his attacking mindset, he allowed players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli the space to build their innings. His approach was best summed up by the phrase, “HE CAME, HE SAW AND HE CONQUERED.” Dhawan was famous for his unique style, whether it was twirling his moustache or celebrating a catch with a Kabaddi-style punch to his thigh. Even though he often stayed in the background while Kohli and Rohit grabbed headlines, Dhawan became a favorite among fans.
However, Dhawan’s career faced challenges after the COVID-19 outbreak. His once-fluid and explosive style seemed to wane, which played a role in his exclusion from the ODI team before the 2023 World Cup, as younger players like Shubman Gill emerged as strong contenders.
The Dhawan-Rohit opening pair came at a time when India was transitioning from the era of Sehwag and Gambhir. They provided a dynamic start for the team, ensuring that the aggressive approach continued. The Dhawan-Rohit duo will always be remembered in Indian cricket history alongside legendary pairs like Dada-Sachin, Viru-Sachin, and Viru-Gauti.
As Shikhar Dhawan wraps up his illustrious cricketing career, we extend our heartfelt thanks and best wishes to this modern-day ODI superstar. Dhawan’s fearless approach, unforgettable performances on the biggest stages, and his unique style of play have left a lasting impression on fans around the world. From his explosive starts to his iconic celebrations, he has given us countless memorable moments to cherish. As he embarks on the next chapter of his life, we wish him all the success and happiness. Thank you, Gabbar, for the thrills, the runs, and the joy you brought to the game. Your legacy will continue to inspire and entertain for years to come.
● SOME KEY NUMBERS FROM HIS CAREER:
- Out of his 17 ODI hundreds, 12 hundreds came outside India.
- 18 opening century stands between Rohit-Dhawan is the second best for India after Dada-Sachin who stands at the top with 21 opening century stands.
- 187 against Australia in a debut test is still the highest score by an Indian debutant in Test cricket and his 85-ball ton during that innings is still the fastest test hundred on debut.
- Dhawan is in the elusive list of batters who scored a hundred in their 100th ODI game when he scored a hundred against South Africa in 2018 at Johannesburg.
