Regarded as one of India’s premier white-ball opening batsmen, Shikhar Dhawan’s name is notably absent from the national team’s roster across all formats presently. Despite this exclusion, Dhawan carries with him a sense of contentment for the storied journey he has shared with the Men in Blue. Although his last appearance for India came in December 2022 during the tour of Bangladesh, Dhawan harbored expectations of joining the ranks for the Asian Games, especially when the first-choice team was off commencing its World Cup endeavors in October 2023. The subsequent non-inclusion in the squad came as an unforeseen blow to the veteran cricketer.
Revealing his reaction, Dhawan shared, “When my name was not there (for Asian Games), I was a bit shocked. But, then, I was like they have a different thought process, you just have to accept it.” His interaction with the selectors has been virtually non-existent regarding his future role in the team. He expresses appreciation for his time at the National Cricket Academy (NCA), a place he frequents, and acknowledges the benefits its facilities have had on his career.
The 38-year-old’s tenure in white-ball cricket is impressive, marked by participation in over 230 matches across One Day Internationals (ODIs) and T20 Internationals. However, his Test match involvement stands at a mere 34 matches, the last of which he played in 2018. Despite his Test debut featuring a remarkable 187-run knock against Australia, Dhawan’s subsequent performances, particularly overseas, did not meet the same standard. Age and a refined focus on white-ball formats gradually oriented his career trajectory away from the Test scene. “The age factor is also there in every cricketer’s life – a sportsman’s life is different. Since I am not playing Test matches, I will give rest to my body, and stay fresh for the shorter formats of the game,” Dhawan elucidated.
Before being superseded, Dhawan accumulated 2,315 runs in 58 innings across his 34 Test matches, boasting an average of 40.61 with the bat. Following his sidelining, Rohit Sharma ascended to the opening position, replicating his white-ball success in the Test domain, and has firmly established his presence there ever since.
Notwithstanding his absence from the national team, Dhawan continues his cricketing endeavors, notably leading the Punjab Kings in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 edition. Despite the setbacks, his ambitions remain high, anticipating another impactful season with the bat.
A notable figure in the cricketing world, Dhawan’s legacy resonates beyond the runs he has scored or records he has set. It’s one of grace in the face of disappointment and dedication to the game’s nuances, particularly in its shorter and more exhilarating iterations. While the future might be uncertain, and the curtains may be drawing to a close on his international career, the IPL provides a stage for him to demonstrate that form is temporary, but class is perpetual.
As cricketers from around the globe continue to break records and push boundaries, Dhawan’s story offers a poignant reminder of the transitory nature of sports and the resilience required to adapt and thrive amidst evolving landscapes. His experience will, undoubtedly, have a ripple effect on younger generations who look up to the seasoned opener as an embodiment of sportsmanship and enduring passion for the game of cricket.
