Indian Batter Shikhar Dhawan Announces Retirement from International and Domestic Cricket

Indian cricket stalwart Shikhar Dhawan has officially announced his retirement from international and domestic cricket, marking the end of a prolific 14-year career that saw him amass over 10,000 runs across all formats. The 38-year-old left-handed opener shared an emotional farewell message on social media, expressing his gratitude for the opportunity to represent India at the highest level.

In his heartfelt video message, Dhawan reflected on his journey with the Indian cricket team. “I only had one dream, and that was to play for India, and I achieved that,” Dhawan said. “I am leaving with peace in my heart that I played for so long for India. I’ve told myself not to feel sad that you won’t play for India anymore, but feel happy that you played for the country.”

A Prolific Career

Dhawan made his international debut in 2010 in an ODI against Australia in Visakhapatnam. Over the next decade and a half, he became one of India’s most dependable opening batters, known for his aggressive style and ability to score quickly. His international career includes a total of 24 centuries—17 in One Day Internationals (ODIs) and seven in Tests.

One of the highlights of Dhawan’s career was his explosive debut in Test cricket, where he scored a blistering 187 against Australia in Mohali in 2013, setting a record for the fastest century on Test debut by an Indian. His performance in the 50-over format was particularly remarkable, where he scored 6,793 runs at an average of 44.11. In Test cricket, he accumulated 2,315 runs with an average of 40.61.

Dhawan’s contributions were instrumental in several of India’s significant cricketing achievements. He was a key player in the Indian squad that won the ICC Champions Trophy in 2013 under the leadership of MS Dhoni. His stellar form in 2013, where he scored 1,162 runs in 26 ODIs at an average of 50.52 and a strike rate of 97.89, solidified his reputation as one of the premier openers in world cricket.

Legacy and Impact

Beyond his statistics, Dhawan will be remembered for his flamboyant playing style, his consistency in ICC tournaments, and his knack for performing on the big stage. His ability to deliver match-winning performances, particularly in limited-overs cricket, made him a fan favorite and a crucial part of India’s batting lineup for many years.

His retirement marks the end of an era for Indian cricket, but Dhawan’s impact on the game will be felt for years to come. Known for his trademark mustache twirls and signature thigh-five celebrations, Dhawan leaves behind a legacy of joy and inspiration for aspiring cricketers.

As Shikhar Dhawan steps away from the international stage, he does so with the respect and admiration of cricket fans worldwide. His journey from a young Delhi boy with a dream to one of India’s most successful openers is a testament to his talent, hard work, and dedication to the game.