Shikhar Dhawan announced his retirement from international and domestic cricket through a social media post on Saturday morning. His last competitive game was in April 2024, where he led the Punjab Kings in the IPL. Over his career, Dhawan scored 24 centuries (17 in ODIs and seven in Tests) in 269 international matches.
“It’s crucial to embrace new chapters in life, which is why I’ve decided to retire from international and domestic cricket,” Dhawan expressed in an emotional video message. “I feel content, knowing that I had the privilege of representing India for so many years.” Instead of being sad that I won’t play for India anymore, I choose to be happy that I had the opportunity to represent my country.”
Dhawan, who debuted for India in 2010, leaves behind an impressive legacy. He is one of only eight ODI batters with over 5000 runs, maintaining an average of 40-plus and a strike rate above 90. He scored 6793 runs in 167 ODIs, with an average of 44.11 and a strike rate of 91.35. His final ODI was against Bangladesh in Chattogram in December 2022.
Although Dhawan’s ODI numbers outshone his performances in other formats, he first made his mark in Test cricket with a stunning 85-ball century against Australia in Mohali in 2013—the fastest century by a debutant. He went on to score 187 in that match, helping India secure victory.
The year 2013 was a turning point in Dhawan’s career. He scored 1162 runs in 26 ODIs, averaging 50.52 with a strike rate of 97.89. A highlight of that year was his top-scoring performance at the Champions Trophy, where he amassed 363 runs, including two centuries, helping India clinch the title.
That tournament also marked the beginning of Dhawan’s iconic opening partnership with Rohit Sharma. Together, they became one of the most successful ODI opening pairs, with 18-century partnerships, second only to Sachin Tendulkar and Sourav Ganguly’s record of 21.
Dhawan continued his remarkable form beyond the Champions Trophy 2013, becoming a key player in India’s ODI squad. He led India’s scoring in multiple significant tournaments, such as the 2014 Asia Cup, 2015 World Cup, 2017 Champions Trophy, and the 2018 Asia Cup.
In 2019, Dhawan’s ODI career faced a setback when a thumb injury sidelined him during the World Cup in England, just after he had scored a century against Australia at The Oval. Despite this, he earned short captaincy stints during the final phase of his international career, leading India’s second-string sides in the absence of regular players.
In the IPL, Dhawan played for Delhi Capitals, Mumbai Indians, Deccan Chargers, Sunrisers Hyderabad, and Punjab Kings. He is the second-highest run-scorer in IPL history, behind Virat Kohli, with 6769 runs across 222 matches at a strike rate of 127.14.
In domestic cricket, Dhawan’s early years were marked by success, including a Ranji Trophy title with Delhi in 2007-08, when they defeated Uttar Pradesh at Wankhede Stadium. He was also the top run-scorer at the 2004 Under-19 World Cup.