Former India opener Shikhar Dhawan recently stunned the cricketing community with the sudden announcement of his retirement. Though the signs were present—Dhawan hadn’t played much of the IPL season, skipped registering for the Delhi Premier League, and had been absent from the Indian squad for over 20 months—the abruptness of his decision left many surprised. Having earned the nickname ‘Mr. ICC’ for his stellar performances in major international tournaments, Dhawan had been a cornerstone of India’s success in the Champions Trophy of 2013 and 2017, as well as the World Cup campaigns in 2015 and 2019.
Dhawan has since opened up about the reasons behind his decision. In a candid conversation on the sidelines of the Legends League Cricket, a tournament he joined after announcing his retirement, Dhawan revealed that he lacked the inspiration to continue playing domestic cricket. “I didn’t want to play domestic cricket, which I started playing at the age of 18 or 19, and I didn’t have that internal drive to play that type of cricket anymore,” Dhawan told PTI.
Reflecting on his career, Dhawan shared, “Over the past two years, I wasn’t playing much international cricket and was essentially moving from one IPL season to another. The intermittent gaps meant that I wasn’t engaged in continuous high-level cricket. I thought to myself, ‘Alright, I’ve played enough, and I need to take a break because with the limited amount of cricket I was playing, you start to lose touch as well.'”
Dhawan’s recent performances in the IPL attest to his evolving mindset. The seasoned cricketer only played five games in the IPL 2024, representing the Punjab Kings, before a shoulder injury sidelined him for the rest of the season. Sam Curran subsequently led the team in his absence. Regarding his last IPL stint, Dhawan admitted, “Continuing to play in the IPL by just putting in a few months of hard work was not enough for me anymore.”
Despite his decision to step away from professional cricket, Dhawan remains content with his journey. “I am very happy and satisfied with whatever I have achieved in my career. I’m incredibly grateful for everything,” said Dhawan.
. As an IPL icon, Dhawan amassed 6769 runs in 222 matches—a formidable record that cements his legacy in the tournament’s history.
In addition to his IPL exploits, Dhawan has a commendable international record. He played 269 matches for India across formats, scoring an impressive 10,867 runs. His proficiency in the One Day International (ODI) format was particularly notable.
Dhawan’s retirement has raised questions about Indian cricket’s future, especially in the opening batsman role. Given his consistent performances and the leadership qualities he brought to the team, filling the void left by his departure will be challenging for upcoming players.
As the cricketing world absorbs this news, Dhawan’s career serves as an inspiring tale of perseverance, skill, and dedication. His ability to perform under pressure in major tournaments was crucial to India’s success on numerous occasions. Looking back at his career, one can’t help but admire his contributions and wish him the best in his future endeavors.
Dhawan’s retirement also signals a transition period for the Indian cricket team, opening opportunities for younger players to step up and make their mark. His journey from a budding cricketer to an international star will serve as a motivating story for many aspiring cricketers. It’s a reminder that while talent is essential, maintaining passion and drive is equally crucial for a long-lasting career.
In related news, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced several key changes ahead of the IPL 2025, including allowing teams to retain up to five players without the option of Right to Match (RTM) cards in the auction. This, along with new ticketing policies for upcoming events, shows that while seasoned players like Dhawan may retire, the game continues to evolve, creating new opportunities and challenges for everyone involved.
All eyes will be on the next generation of players who will strive to fill the void left by iconic players like Shikhar Dhawan. Their journey forward will undoubtedly be influenced by the lasting legacy of those who came before them, inspiring continued excellence in Indian cricket.
