India’s revered opening batter, Shikhar Dhawan, announced his retirement from international and domestic cricket on Saturday morning, marking the end of an illustrious 14-year career. Recognized for his flair and consistency, Dhawan leaves behind a legacy that places him among the most successful Indian openers, especially in the One-Day International (ODI) format.
Dhawan’s maiden appearance in international cricket came in 2010 against Australia in Visakhapatnam. However, his debut was less than memorable as he was dismissed for a two-ball duck. Despite this rocky start, Dhawan’s Test career began with a bang. It took an additional two and a half years for Dhawan to feature in a Test match, but when he did, he made an indelible mark on the global cricket stage.
The Test debut, which took place against Australia in Mohali in 2013, saw Dhawan announcing himself in spectacular fashion. Smashing a rapid century in just 85 balls, Dhawan set the record for the fastest century on Test debut, a record which still stands. He eventually went on to score 187 runs in that innings, setting the record for the highest score by an Indian debutant in Test cricket. This score also ranks as the eight-best debut score globally.
Dhawan’s prowess was not limited to the traditional format of the game. Known for his ability to shine in big tournaments, Dhawan accumulated 1238 runs in ICC 50-over tournaments. His average of 65.15 in these events is the highest among players with more than 1000 runs, narrowly surpassing even Virat Kohli’s average of 64.55. This statistic underscores Dhawan’s reputation as a big-match player who thrived under pressure.
The decision to retire was shared by Dhawan in a heartfelt video message posted on his social media accounts on Saturday morning. In his message, Dhawan reminisced about his journey and expressed his gratitude toward those who supported him along the way.
. “I am standing at that juncture in my life where I can only see the past memories. My dream was always to play for India and it came true and for that I’m grateful to a lot of people,” Dhawan said. He went on to pay tribute to his family and coaches, particularly mentioning Tarak Sinha and Madan Sharma, under whose guidance he honed his cricketing skills. Dhawan also expressed affection for his teammates, referring to them as a “second family.”
“But it’s important to turn the page to move forward in life and that’s why I am announcing my retirement from international and domestic cricket,” Dhawan continued. He concluded his message with a sense of contentment, reflecting on his journey and expressing gratitude towards his fans for their unwavering support. “And now that I’m concluding my cricket journey, there’s peace in my heart, that I played a lot for my country. I’m grateful to all my fans for all the love. I’ve told myself don’t feel sad that you won’t play for India anymore, but feel happy that you played for the country,” he added.
Dhawan’s career is replete with remarkable achievements and memorable moments. His flamboyant batting style, often characterized by effortless stroke play and aggressive intent, enamored fans and critics alike. Over his career, Dhawan played many match-winning innings, often stepping up when the team needed him the most.
Beyond the statistics and records, Dhawan’s impact on Indian cricket is immeasurable. He brought a unique combination of aggression and composure to the opening slot, helping India secure numerous victories across different formats. His partnerships with other prominent Indian batsmen were pivotal in setting strong foundations for the team.
As Dhawan transitions into this new phase of his life, his contributions to cricket will always be cherished. The cricketing fraternity, along with millions of fans worldwide, will remember him for his dedication, passion, and the sheer joy he brought to the game. Through his extraordinary talent and relentless spirit, Shikhar Dhawan has etched his name in the annals of cricket history, leaving a legacy that will inspire future generations of cricketers.
