Shikhar Dhawan, the 'Gabbar' of Indian cricket, announces retirement
Called Gabbar by his fans, Dhawan made his international debut in 2010 in an ODI against Australia in Visakhapatnam. He went on to represent India in all three formats, appearing in 34 Tests, 167 ODIs and 68 T20Is.
Former India opener Shikhar Dhawan has announced his retirement from all forms of cricket, bringing the curtains down to a career spanning fourteen years.
"I am announcing my retirement from international and domestic cricket. As I bid farewell to my cricketing journey, I have peace in my heart. I played a lot for my country. I only say this to myself, that you don't need to be upset about not playing for your country again, but be happy that you had the opportunity to do so," Dhawan said in a video, posted on Instagram.
CREDIT: BCCL
'Dream to play for India'
The 38-year-old who last played for India two years ago also thanked fans for their support.
"It was always my dream to play for India, and I got to live it. I am thankful to a lot of people for that. First of all, my family, my childhood coaches and then my team that I played with for so many years. I got a new family, fame and love. But it is said that to move forward, you need to flip the pages," Dhawan said.
Called Gabbar by his fans, Dhawan made his international debut in 2010 in an ODI against Australia in Visakhapatnam. He went on to represent India in all three formats, appearing in 34 Tests, 167 ODIs and 68 T20Is.
CREDIT: BCCL
His last India game was also a 50-over match, against Bangladesh in 2022.
Fans thank Gabbar
Fans took to social media to thank Dhawan, who many argued that did not get his fair due, despite having all the tallent.
Shikhar Dhawan has announced his retirement from international cricket.
¡ª Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) August 24, 2024
Thank you, Mr. ICC. ??? pic.twitter.com/rLNimVKxFF
- Most runs for India in CT 2013
¡ª Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) August 24, 2024
- Most runs for India in WC 2015
- Most runs for India in CT 2017
- Most runs for India in Asia Cup 2018
SHIKHAR DHAWAN, AN ABSOLUTE GREAT OF INDIAN WHITE-BALL CRICKET ? Retires from International & Domestic cricket. pic.twitter.com/ApMM0KY8q2
Shubman Gill can score runs at average of 100 in ODIs but he can never become a match winner like Shikhar Dhawan.
¡ª Rajiv (@Rajiv1841) August 23, 2024
Just like Babar, Gill also scores runs on Flat Pitches & vs C teams and maintain high avg.
Dhawan used to score runs when it mattered the most in ICC tournaments. pic.twitter.com/kyHokWYdeb
Shikhar Dhawan has announced his retirement from International cricket ?
¡ª All About Cricket (@allaboutcric_) August 24, 2024
You will be missed Mr ICC and Gabbar of Indian cricket ?? pic.twitter.com/Y6VWp6poGr
Mr. ICC Of Cricket ? Shikhar Dhawan ???
¡ª surekha gupta (@surekha34772184) August 24, 2024
- Relive the iconic Hundred of Shikhar Dhawan with a broken hand against Australia in the 2019 World Cup
End of an era! ??
Shikhar Dhawan RETIRED from INTERNATIONAL CRICKET.!!
- Thanks for the memories, Gabbar! ?? #ShikharDhawan¡ pic.twitter.com/hOBg9cZ16E
Mr ICC
Known for his successful cricket career, especially in limited-overs formats,Shikhar has been a key player for India and various IPL teams. Dhawan's illustrious career reached the peak in the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy, where his exceptional performance earned him the esteemed ¡°Mr ICC¡± tag as the tournament¡¯s best player. His dynamic innings and crucial contributions were instrumental in India¡¯s victories.
Dhawan's IPL career
He has been the first batsman to hit back to back centuries in IPL and holds record for hitting most fours in IPL. He has also captained both Punjab Kings and Sunrisers Hyderabad simultaneously which no other player has got an opportunity to lead so far.
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Bobins Abraham is the Assistant News Editor at Indiatimes. He has more than twelve years of experience in TV and digital journalism. An avid student of history and geopolitics, he is a conservationist and environmentalist at heart. He writes on environment, sustainability, human-animal conflict and more.
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