social

Shikhar ‘Gabbar’ Dhawan bids an emotional goodbye to cricket

After 269 matches, 10,867 runs, and 24 tons, the batsman announces his retirement from international and domestic cricket

The 2013 Champions Trophy will forever be remembered as the moment Shikhar Dhawan burst onto the international stage. His iconic arms-wide celebration after a century and the unforgettable thigh slap after taking a catch are images that will forever define his legacy.

Today, the classy southpaw announced his retirement from international and domestic cricket, leaving behind a stellar record of 269 matches and 10,867 international runs. In an emotional video posted on Instagram, Dhawan said, “Don’t be sad it's over, be happy it happened.”

My Kolkata extends heartfelt congratulations to Shikhar on an exemplary career, where he not only scored a century in the 2015 ODI World Cup with a broken thumb but also smashed the Aussies with a blitzkrieg 187 on his Test debut. Sail into the sunset Shikhar, your contribution to Indian cricket will forever be remembered.

—Debrup Chaudhuri