New Delhi, India – Shikhar Dhawan, one of India’s most celebrated cricketing talents, officially announced his retirement from international and domestic cricket on Saturday through an emotional video message on social media. The left-handed opener, known for his aggressive batting style and infectious smile, reflected on his remarkable career, which saw him play numerous memorable innings for the Indian cricket team.
Among the many outstanding performances, Dhawan singled out his gritty knock of 117 against Australia during the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup as his favorite. This innings, played under excruciating pain, stands as a testament to Dhawan’s determination and fighting spirit.
“I have a few favourite innings that are close to my heart, especially the 2019 World Cup. We were playing a match against Australia. I was batting on 25 when I broke my thumb. The ball came at 150 clicks and hit my here,” Dhawan shared, pointing towards his left thumb during an interview with Hindustan Times. “I popped painkillers and scored 117 from there,” he added.
During the ninth over of the match, a fiery delivery from Pat Cummins struck Dhawan’s thumb, later revealed to have caused a fracture. Despite the injury, Dhawan chose to stay on the field, displaying immense courage. His century was pivotal in India’s victory, earning him accolades for his perseverance.
Dhawan also mentioned his innings of 137 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), where he overcame a lean patch to deliver another crucial performance. “The MCG one was also a very good knock of mine. More so because I wasn’t scoring runs prior to it. I am thankful to Dhoni for backing me and persisting with me in the World Cup,” Dhawan said. His words highlighted the importance of team support during tough times and the satisfaction of regaining form when it mattered most.
Shikhar Dhawan’s cricket journey began at Sonnet Club in West Delhi, where he honed his skills before rising to international fame. Over his career, Dhawan played 34 Tests, 167 ODIs, and 68 T20Is for India, becoming a staple in the team, especially in the 50-over format where he amassed 6,793 runs at an average of 44.11, including 17 hundreds and 39 fifties.
While his recent years saw a dip in form and the emergence of younger talents like Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill, Dhawan’s contributions to Indian cricket remain etched in the annals of the sport. His retirement marks the end of an era for a player who brought flair, grit, and consistency to the Indian batting lineup.
As fans and fellow cricketers pay tribute to Dhawan’s career, his legacy as one of India’s finest openers is assured.
