Shikhar Dhawan Announces Retirement from International and Domestic Cricket: 'I Don’t Want to Cry but…' – Exclusive.

Shikhar Dhawan Announces Retirement from International and Domestic Cricket: 'I Don’t Want to Cry but…' – Exclusive.

                    In a heartfelt yet poised announcement, Shikhar Dhawan, one of India's most celebrated white-ball openers, has officially retired from international and domestic cricket. At 38, Dhawan has decided to step away from the game that defined his life for over two decades, marking the end of an era in Indian cricket. Despite his retirement from the Indian team, Dhawan has hinted at continuing his cricketing journey in league cricket, most notably the IPL, where his presence has been a staple.

Shikhar Dhawan’s retirement marks the conclusion of a glittering career that saw him amass 10,867 runs in 269 international appearances. His record includes 24 centuries and 44 fifties, making him one of the cornerstones of Indian cricket over the past decade. Dhawan, who last donned the India jersey in December 2022 during an ODI against Bangladesh, spoke to Hindustan Times in an exclusive interview, where he expressed his gratitude rather than sorrow over his decision. "It’s not like it is a tough decision for me. I am not even emotional. I don’t want to cry or something. But mostly it’s gratitude and love. I have spent most of my life playing cricket and I feel I've reached a stage where I want to rest now – from international and domestic," Dhawan shared.

The Rise of 'Gabbar'

Dhawan’s journey to the top was nothing short of remarkable. He first burst onto the scene during the 2004 U-19 World Cup, where he scored three centuries and accumulated 505 runs, setting the stage for what would be a memorable career. Despite his early promise, Dhawan was a late bloomer in international cricket. He made his ODI debut in 2010 against Australia, where he was dismissed for a two-ball duck. A year later, he returned to the Indian side, scoring a highest of 51 in a series against the West Indies. However, it wasn't until the 2013 Border-Gavaskar Trophy that Dhawan truly arrived on the international stage, scoring the fastest century on debut off just 85 balls.

A Legacy of Consistency

Dhawan’s explosive start in Test cricket paved the way for his resurgence in ODIs. In the 2013 Champions Trophy, Dhawan was unleashed as part of a new opening pair alongside Rohit Sharma, under the leadership of MS Dhoni. Dhawan scored back-to-back centuries against South Africa and West Indies, cementing his place at the top of the order. His 363 runs in the tournament earned him the Player of the Tournament award as India went on to lift the title. This tournament not only highlighted Dhawan’s talent but also established him as India’s go-to man in ICC tournaments.

Throughout his career, Dhawan was known for his big-game temperament. In the 2015 World Cup, he was India’s highest run-scorer with 412 runs from eight matches, including a magnificent 137 against South Africa, which remains one of his most cherished innings. Dhawan continued his stellar form in the 2017 Champions Trophy, where he accumulated 338 runs. His partnership with Rohit Sharma became one of the most successful opening pairs in ODI history, with the duo scoring 5148 runs in 115 innings, making them the fourth-highest opening pair of all time.

The Final Chapter

Despite his illustrious career, Dhawan’s journey wasn’t without its challenges. His form dipped in the later stages, and a fractured thumb during the 2019 World Cup turned out to be his last appearance in an ICC event. Although he played through pain to score a valiant 117 against Australia, this knock would be his final century for India. Despite coming close with scores of 98 against England and 97 against the West Indies, another three-figure score eluded him.

In T20Is, Dhawan’s strike rate became a topic of debate, and despite decent performances, the Indian team management decided to move on, favouring younger talents like Shubman Gill and Ishan Kishan. Dhawan last played a T20I in July 2021, and although he led the charts in the IPL with 618 and 587 runs in the 2020 and 2021 seasons respectively, it wasn’t enough to secure a spot in India’s T20I setup.

In 2022, Dhawan captained India in a series against the West Indies and later against South Africa and New Zealand. However, the emergence of Shubman Gill, who had an outstanding season, signalled the end of Dhawan’s ODI career. He finished his ODI career with an impressive record, being the joint-fastest Indian, along with Virat Kohli, to reach 1000 ODI runs, and the quickest to 2000 and 3000 runs.

A Mixed Test Career

Dhawan’s Test career, though not as prolific as his white-ball exploits, had its moments of brilliance. After his explosive debut in Mohali, he scored 2315 runs from 40 matches, with seven centuries. His 98 in the seaming conditions of Wellington during India’s 2014 tour of New Zealand showcased his adaptability. Dhawan had a special affinity for the Sri Lankan bowling attack, against whom he scored three of his seven Test centuries, including a massive 190 in Galle in 2017. However, after a tough tour of England in 2018, Dhawan was dropped from the Test side and never played for India in the longest format again.

The Road Ahead

In August 2023, Dhawan, despite being out of favour for some time, expressed his surprise at not being selected for the Asian Games squad. Although he had hopes of a comeback, Dhawan subtly hinted that his time in the Indian team was nearing its end. His recent retirement confirms this, yet his cricketing journey might still have some distance to go, with Dhawan likely to continue playing in the IPL and other leagues.

As Dhawan bids farewell to international and domestic cricket, his legacy as one of India’s finest openers remains intact. From his unforgettable debut century to his record-breaking partnerships, Dhawan’s contributions to Indian cricket will be remembered for years to come. His journey, filled with ups and downs, is a testament to his resilience and passion for the game. As he moves on to the next chapter of his life, fans will undoubtedly miss seeing 'Gabbar' in India colours, but they will forever cherish the memories he created on the field.