Shikhar Dhawan shared an emotional message on social media, the 38-year-old left-hander reflected on his journey, expressing gratitude to his family, coaches, teammates, and fans for their support throughout his career.
Dhawan’s international career spanned over 12 years, during which he played 34 Tests, 167 ODIs, and 68 T20Is for India. Known for his aggressive batting style, particularly in ODIs, Dhawan amassed 6793 runs in the 50-over format at an impressive average of 44.11. He was a key player in several major tournaments, including the ICC Champions Trophy, where he was the highest run-scorer in both 2013 and 2017 editions, earning him the nickname “Mr. ICC.”
His Test career was marked by a record-breaking debut in 2013, where he scored the fastest century by a debutant, reaching 100 runs in just 85 balls. Dhawan’s ability to deliver in high-pressure situations made him a mainstay in India’s top order for many years.
Although his last appearance for India came in an ODI against Bangladesh in December 2022, Dhawan continued to play in the Indian Premier League (IPL), representing Punjab Kings. However, an injury during the 2024 IPL season marked the end of his competitive cricket career.
Dhawan’s retirement marks the end of an era for Indian cricket, as he was one of the most consistent and beloved openers of his generation