Former India opener Shikhar Dhawan has been hard at work in the nets, gearing up for the upcoming Legends League Cricket. The stylish left-hander recently announced his retirement from international cricket on August 24, but his return to training shows that his love for the game remains undiminished.
In an Instagram story shared with his fans, Shikhar Dhawan looked in sublime form, batting with the same elegance and aggression he displayed in his prime. He played a range of shots, including some eye-catching reverse sweeps and powerful pull shots, reminding everyone of his prowess. His caption, “Feels good to be back,” perfectly captured his excitement to return to competitive cricket.
After retirement, Shikhar Dhawan is now eligible to play in T20 competitions outside of the Indian Premier League and has joined the Legends League Cricket. He will represent the Gujarat team, which boasts a star-studded lineup featuring Chris Gayle, Mohammed Kaif, and S Sreesanth.
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Other notable additions to the league include Dinesh Karthik and former South African opener Hashim Amla. The tournament is set to kick off this September, promising fans a chance to see their favorite retired cricketers in action once again.
Shikhar Dhawan 2.0 on the way..?👀⏳#ShikharDhawan pic.twitter.com/rpwYTcmWZM
— CricTalk (@CricTalk29) September 16, 2024
Gabbar aa raha hain… Jaag jao 🥵
Book your matchday tickets on @Paytm#BossLogonKaGame #LengendsLeagueCricket #LLCseason3 pic.twitter.com/dmAzV4D1GS
— Legends League Cricket (@llct20) September 7, 2024
“My body is still conditioned for the demands of the game,” Shikhar Dhawan shared in a statement. “While I’m at ease with my decision [to retire], cricket is an inseparable part of who I am. I am eager to regroup with my cricketing friends and continue to entertain my fans as we create new memories together,” he added.
Dhawan’s international career is nothing short of impressive. In 167 ODIs, he scored 6793 runs at an average of 44.11, with 17 centuries and 39 fifties. In T20Is, he accumulated 1759 runs in 68 matches, while his 34 Test appearances saw him notch up 2315 runs with seven centuries.
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When announcing his retirement, Dhawan shared a heartfelt video message on social media. He thanked his family, coaches Tarak Sinha and Madan Sharma, and his teammates for their support, saying, “I always had one goal in mind—to play for India, and I achieved it. But to move ahead in the story, you need to flip over the pages.” Dhawan’s new chapter with the Legends League Cricket is set to bring more excitement to his fans.
