On Saturday, Shikhar Dhawan officially announced his retirement from both domestic and international cricket, marking the end of a remarkable career. The seasoned left-handed batsman shared his decision through an emotional post on social media, where he expressed his gratitude and reflected on his journey. Dhawan last donned the Indian jersey in 2022 during the ODI series against Bangladesh. However, in recent years, younger talents like Shubman Gill have taken the spotlight, gradually pushing Dhawan out of the opening slot.
In a heartfelt video message shared on X (formerly Twitter), Dhawan extended his thanks to his fans, teammates, and the various associations that supported him throughout his cricketing career. Reflecting on his journey, Dhawan said, “I stand at a juncture where, looking back, I see a treasure trove of memories, and looking forward, I see a new chapter of life. It was always a dream of mine to represent India, and I feel immensely fortunate to have lived that dream. I owe a great deal of thanks to many people—first and foremost, my family, my childhood coaches, and then the teams I’ve played with over the years. Cricket gave me a second family, fame, and an outpouring of love. But, as the saying goes, to move forward, one must turn the page.”
Dhawan continued, “Today, I am officially announcing my retirement from international and domestic cricket. As I close this chapter of my cricketing journey, I do so with a sense of peace in my heart. I’ve had the privilege of playing for my country on many occasions. Instead of feeling disappointed about not wearing the Indian colors again, I remind myself to be grateful for the many opportunities I had to do so.”
Throughout his illustrious career, Dhawan made significant contributions to Indian cricket. He represented the country in 34 Test matches, 167 One Day Internationals (ODIs), and 68 Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is). His most impressive performances came in the 50-over format, where he scored a total of 6,793 runs at an impressive average of 44.11. In Test cricket, Dhawan accumulated 2,315 runs with an average of 40.61.
Dhawan’s retirement marks the end of an era for Indian cricket, where his aggressive batting style and ability to perform in high-pressure situations made him a fan favorite and a key player for the national team. As he steps away from the field, Dhawan leaves behind a legacy of determination, sportsmanship, and a treasure trove of memories for cricket enthusiasts around the world.
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