On August 24, 2024, Indian cricketing icon Shikhar Dhawan announced his retirement from international and domestic cricket, marking the end of an illustrious chapter in his career. Known for his aggressive style, charismatic personality, and match-winning performances, Dhawan leaves behind a legacy that will be remembered by cricket fans around the world. However, fans of the left-handed opener can take solace in the fact that he will continue to grace the cricketing world in franchise leagues, including the Indian Premier League (IPL), where he remains a formidable force.
Shikhar Dhawan, often referred to as “Gabbar” by his fans, is one of the most charismatic and accomplished cricketers India has produced in recent years. Known for his aggressive batting style, trademark mustache twirl, and infectious smile, Dhawan’s journey in cricket is a story of perseverance, grit, and unyielding passion for the game. Let’s have a look back at Dhawan’s glorious career.
Test Cricket: A Promising Start
Shikhar Dhawan made an unforgettable Test debut against Australia on March 14, 2013, at the Punjab Cricket Association IS Bindra Stadium. He made an immediate impact with a breathtaking knock of 187 off just 174 balls, featuring 33 boundaries and 2 sixes. This innings remains one of the most memorable debuts in Test cricket history.
In his 34-match Test career, Dhawan amassed 2,315 runs at an average of 40.61, with a strike rate of 66.95. His tally includes 7 centuries and 5 half-centuries, with a highest score of 190. Despite his explosive start, his Test career ended on a quieter note, with a disappointing performance in his last match against England at the Kennington Oval in September 2018, where he managed just 3 and 1 in his two innings.
ODI Cricket: A Dominant Force
Shikhar Dhawan’s prowess in One Day Internationals (ODIs) is where he truly shone. He made his ODI debut against Australia on October 20, 2010, though it was a challenging start as he got out for a duck. However, he quickly found his rhythm and established himself as one of India’s most reliable and consistent openers.
Over 167 ODIs, Dhawan scored 6,793 runs at an impressive average of 44.11, with a strike rate of 91.35. His ODI career includes 17 centuries and 39 half-centuries, with a top score of 143. His partnership with Rohit Sharma at the top of the order was one of the most prolific in ODI history, with the duo sharing 18 century partnerships.
Dhawan’s performances in ICC tournaments were particularly noteworthy. He averaged an astonishing 65.15 in ICC 50-over tournaments (World Cups and Champions Trophies), scoring six centuries and ten fifties in 20 innings. His average in these tournaments is the highest among the 51 batters who have scored at least 1,000 runs, surpassing even the great Virat Kohli.
T20I: A Solid Contributor
In the shortest format of the game, Shikhar Dhawan had a mixed record. He made his T20I debut against the West Indies on June 4, 2011, where he scored just 5 runs. Throughout his T20I career, Dhawan played 68 matches, scoring 1,759 runs at an average of 27.92 and a strike rate of 126.36. Although he did not score any centuries in T20Is, he contributed 11 half-centuries, with a highest score of 92.
His last T20I appearance was against Sri Lanka on July 29, 2021, where he was dismissed for a duck. Despite the ups and downs, Dhawan’s experience and aggressive batting at the top order made him a valuable asset in India’s T20I setup.
IPL: The Ever-Dependable
Shikhar Dhawan’s exploits in the Indian Premier League (IPL) are well-documented. Starting his IPL journey with Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) on April 19, 2008, Dhawan made an immediate impact by scoring 52 off 41 deliveries, leading his team to a convincing victory over Rajasthan Royals.
Over the years, Dhawan became one of the most consistent performers in the IPL, representing multiple franchises, including Mumbai Indians, Sunrisers Hyderabad, and Punjab Kings. In 222 IPL matches, he scored 6,768 runs at an average of 35.07 and a strike rate of 127.12. His IPL career includes two centuries and 51 half-centuries, with a highest score of 106.
While Dhawan has retired from international and domestic cricket, he will continue to play in the IPL and other franchise leagues. His last IPL appearance was for Punjab Kings against Sunrisers Hyderabad on April 9, 2024, where he scored 14 off 16 deliveries. As he remains active in the IPL, fans can expect more of his trademark aggression and consistency at the top of the order.
A Legacy to Remember
Shikhar Dhawan’s career is full of ups, downs, determination, and love for the game. Whether it was his fiery debut in Test cricket, his consistency in ODIs, or his dependable performances in the IPL, Dhawan has left an indelible mark on Indian cricket. As he transitions from international cricket to focusing solely on franchise cricket, his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of cricketers. The cricketing world eagerly awaits the next chapter of Dhawan’s journey, confident that he will continue to entertain and excel.
The New Clear Mind – a professional writer who’s got a passion for three things- Reading, Writing, & Cricket!
