Indian opening batter Shikhar Dhawan announced his retirement from international and domestic cricket on Saturday, ending a 14-year-long illustrious career.
In a heartfelt video shared on his social media accounts, the 38-year-old said, “I had only one dream, to play for India, and I achieved it. I leave with peace, knowing I played for my country for so long. Instead of feeling sad about leaving, I choose to be happy that I had the opportunity to represent India.”
Dhawan made his international debut in 2010 against Australia in Visakhapatnam and went on to accumulate over 10,000 runs. His career boasts 24 centuries—17 in One-Day Internationals and seven in Tests.
One of Dhawan’s most memorable moments was his century on debut in the third Test against Australia in Mohali on March 16, 2013. His excellence was particularly evident in ODIs, where he amassed 6,793 runs at an impressive average of 44.11, while his Test career saw him score 2,315 runs at an average of 40.61.
A key member of the Indian team that won the ICC Champions Trophy in 2013 under MS Dhoni’s captaincy, Dhawan’s career reached its peak the same year when he scored 1,162 runs in 26 ODIs at an average of 50.52 and a strike rate of 97.89.
Shikhar Dhawan’s retirement marks the end of a remarkable journey in cricket, leaving behind a legacy that will be cherished by fans and players alike.
