Saturday, 28 September 2024
Saturday, 28 September 2024
Shikhar Dhawan has announced his retirement from international and domestic cricket, ending a career that spanned over a decade. Dhawan took to his social media handles on Saturday morning to share this news, reflecting on his journey and expressing his gratitude to his supporters.
The smiling southpaw
A left-handed opening batsman, Dhawan's consistent performances in limited-overs cricket were crucial to India's success in major tournaments. He was recognised as the 'Player of the Tournament' during the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy, a tournament that India won largely due to his contributions. His aggressive and free-flowing batting style made him a fan favorite and an essential part of India’s top order in ODIs.
Dhawan, who made his debut on October 20 2010, played 167 ODIs, 68 T20Is and 34 Tests for India. In 167 ODIs, he scored 6793 runs with an average of 44.1. In the 68 T20Is he played, he scored 1579 runs averaging 27.9. A prolific limited overs batsman, Dhawan scored 2315 runs in 34 test matches with an average of 40.6.
End of an era
In his retirement video, Dhawan shared his thoughts, saying, "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."
He emphasized the need to cherish his cricketing memories, stating, "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 remained grateful for his cricketing journey, thanking his family, fans, childhood coaches, and the teams he played for over the years.
Dhawan last represented India in an ODI against Bangladesh in December 2022, while his final T20I was against Sri Lanka in July 2021. He played his last competitive match for Punjab Kings in the IPL 2024 before an injury ended his season. His test match career was short, he made his debut in 2013 and retired in 2018.
Shikhar Dhawan’s early days
Shikhar Dhawan, born on December 5, 1985, was an integral part of the Indian cricket team over the past decade. His journey began in the 1999/000 season of the Vijay Merchant Trophy, where he played for the Delhi Under-16 team. He was the leading run-scorer in the 2000/01 edition, amassing 755 runs at an average of 83.88. His performances earned him a spot in the North Zone Under-16s squad for the Vijay Hazare Trophy.
Dhawan's talent was soon recognised at the Under-19 level. He played for Delhi in the Cooch Behar Trophy and continued his prolific form. His ability to perform under pressure was clear when he top-scored for North Zone Under-19s in the Vinoo Mankad Trophy final, leading his team to victory.
First-class debut and Ranji success
Shikhar Dhawan made his first-class debut for Delhi against Andhra in the 2004-05 Ranji Trophy season, scoring 49 in his debut innings. He finished the season as Delhi's leading run-scorer with 461 runs, outshining more experienced players like Ajay Jadeja and Aakash Chopra.
His entry into the Indian team was in 2004 U-19 World Cup held in Bangladesh. Dhawan was the leading run-scorer with 505 runs at an average of 84.16. His three centuries in the tournament earned him the 'Player of the Tournament' award.
Dhawan made his List A debut in the Ranji One-day Trophy in 2005. He scored consecutive hundreds against Himachal Pradesh and Haryana, leading to his selection for the India Seniors squad in the Challenger Trophy. His century in the tournament, along with a strong partnership with MS Dhoni, built his reputation on the field.
In the 2007-08 Ranji season, Dhawan was made captain of the Delhi team in the Ranji One-day Trophy. His consistent run-scoring in domestic cricket earned him a spot in the India A team and eventually led to his selection in the national squad.
Rise to stardom
Dhawan gained recognition during the 2004 U-19 World Cup, where he scored 505 runs including three centuries. His three centuries in the tournament earned him the 'Player of the Tournament' award. Dhawan made his ODI debut in 2010 but was dismissed for a duck against Australia. In his debut Test, in 2013, he scored the fastest century by a debutant against Australia in Mohali.
Dhawan's 137 against South Africa at the MCG during the 2015 Cricket World Cup remains one of his most iconic innings. Dhawan also started the 2019 World Cup with a century against Australia, but a thumb injury prematurely ended his tournament.
Shikhar Dhawan's captaincy and leadership
Dhawan's consistency and leadership on the field led to his appointment as the captain of the Delhi Under-19 team. Despite the responsibilities and pressure of being the skipper, Dhawan continued to perform, scoring consistently in tournaments like the MA Chidambaram Trophy. His performances in domestic youth cricket set the stage for his selection in the Indian Under-19 team.
Shikhar Dhawan's IPL success
Dhawan's performances in domestic cricket also turned into success in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Dhawan scored 6,769 runs in 222 matches and was a key player for the Sunrisers Hyderabad, helping them win the championship in 2016. His partnership with David Warner was important in Sunrisers Hyderabad's title win in 2016.
His ability to score quickly and consistently at the top of the order made him a crucial player for India in ODIs and T20Is.
Struggles and inconsistencies
Shikhar Dhawan's journey in cricket has seen its share of ups and downs. Despite his initial success, Dhawan's was inconsistent during the later stages of his career. The rise of stars like Shubhman Gill also made his comeback difficult.
