Flamboyant Indian opener Shikhar Dhawan announced his official retirement from international and domestic cricket at 38, bringing down the curtains on an era that once hailed this left-handed batsman as synonymous with the dominance of India’s top order. Having donned the Indian jersey in 34 Tests, 167 ODIs, and 68 T20Is, Dhawan was a force to be taken seriously, more so in the white-ball format, for whom his aggressive brand of batting, along with anchoring skills, fast-tracked his route to becoming a fan favourite.
Dhawan’s last appearance for India came during the 2022 tour of Bangladesh. His absence from the national setup subsequently opened up space for younger talents like Shubman Gill. Though Dhawan remained active in the IPL for Punjab Kings, he was beleaguered by injuries in the campaigns and his performances couldn’t match up to the high standards he once set.
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Shikhar Dhawan took to social media to share the news. In an emotional video reflecting on his journey, he said, “I always had one goal in mind, and that was to play for India.” He showed his gratitude towards his family members, his childhood coach Tarak Sinha, and Madan Sharma, who played a pivotal role in shaping his career.
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He further said that it is turning a page in the book, “As it’s said, to move ahead in the story you need to flip over the pages. Hence, I’m announcing my retirement from international and domestic cricket.”
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Dhawan’s legacy is undeniable. He scored 10,867 runs across 269 appearances, including 24 centuries and 44 fifties. But perhaps his biggest contribution was the crucial part he played in India’s win in the 2013 Champions Trophy, where the swashbuckling opening pair he formed with Rohit Sharma was at its prolific best.
As Dhawan walks away from the game, what he leaves behind is the legacy of a fine opener India has ever produced—the player who has furnished the game with style, aggression, and consistency.
