Following his announcement of his retirement from both domestic and international cricket, Shikhar Dhawan received well wishes from the Indian cricket community.
Shikhar Dhawan, an experienced opener for India, concluded a chapter in his career on Saturday by declaring his retirement from all cricket formats. He made his debut for his country in 2010. Dhawan announced his retirement in a video on social media platform X, reflecting on his journey two years after his final appearance in national colours.
“With countless memories and gratitude, I close this chapter of my cricket journey. I appreciate all of your love and help. “Jai Hind!” he exclaimed. Dhawan played 34 Tests, 167 ODIs, and 68 T20Is during his three-format career.
The Indian cricket community gave the 38-year-old batter a heartfelt sendoff as he announced the end of his career. Gautam Gambhir, the head coach of Team India, congratulated Dhawan on the dressing room. Gambhir and Dhawan shared the dressing room during both domestic and international games.
“Shiki, congratulations on a job well done! I have no doubt that whatever you do in the future, you will spread the same happiness! @SDhawan25,” inscribed Gambhir.
Dhawan’s illustrious career came to an end in an ODI series against Bangladesh in 2022, which was also his last international match. In the 50-over format, he was a mainstay, amassing 6,793 runs at an average of 44.11, including 17 hundreds and 39 fifties.
As Dhawan ended a spectacular career, Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya and batter Shreyas Iyer also posted well wishes on Instagram. “Only the best for you, Shikhi paa,” wrote Hardik. Greetings on a fantastic career.
Meanwhile, Iyer wrote, “Congratulations @shikhardofficial paa,” in a story that he shared on his official Instagram profile. I wish you the best for whatever lies ahead in life.
He has struggled with form in recent years, and up-and-coming players like Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal have given him competition. Even though Dhawan was dropped from the Indian team, he kept playing in the IPL, most recently for the Punjab Kings in the 2024 season.
Another former Indian opener, Wasim Jaffer, also wished Dhawan on his official X profile. “A man fit for major competitions.” Never received the recognition he deserved, but knowing him, it didn’t matter who received the loudest cheers as long as the team won. a true team player throughout. Jaffer wrote, “Congratulations on an incredible career and best of luck for your second innings @SDhawan25.”
Dhawan’s announcement
“It’s important to turn the page to move forward in life, which is why I am announcing my retirement from international and domestic cricket,” Dhawan said in his retirement announcement, reflecting on his career. I am at peace with myself that I played cricket for such a long time as I bid my journey to an end.
After starting his career with a two-ball duck in 2010, Dhawan quickly established himself as an opener in the Indian XI, especially when the team was playing white-ball cricket. A golden era in Indian cricket history was his opening-spot partnership with Rohit Sharma.
Dhawan expressed his appreciation to his supporters, the BCCI, and the Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA). I’m grateful to my supporters, the BCCI, and the DDCA. I tell myself that instead of being upset that I won’t be able to play for India again, I should be glad that I was able to represent my nation. And I played, and that’s the biggest thing for me,” he said in closing.
