Former Indian left-handed batter, Shikhar Dhawan has retired from international cricket. He announced his retirement through a video message on Saturday, 24 August 2024 with immediate effect.
Dhawan is hailed as India’s savior in the ICC tournaments. He has a phenomenal record in big games and helped India succeed in the big-ticket tournaments. Dhawan was the highest run-getter in the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy. His consistent performances helped India lift the trophy under the leadership of MS Dhoni.
Dhawan also wreaked havoc with the bat in the 2015 ICC ODI World Cup. He was India’s highest run-scorer with 412 runs at an average of 51. In the 2019 World Cup, the southpaw scored a sensational ton against Australia but was later ruled out of the tournament due to a thumb injury.
“It’s important to turn the page to move forward in a story, and in life. That’s why, I am announcing my retirement from international and domestic cricket,” Dhawan said in his retirement video. “I’ve told myself to not feel sad that you won’t play for India again, but feel happy that you played for the country.” he added.
Shikhar Dhawan represented India in 167 ODIs, scoring 6793 runs at an average and a strike rate of 44.11 and 91.35, respectively. He also played 68 T20 internationals for India, amassing 1759 runs at an average of 27.92.
Shikhar Dhawan last represented India in the year 2022
Shikhar Dhawan played his last international match for India during the Bangladesh series in 2022. His previous few scores weren’t bad by any means but he was questioned over his below-par strike rate.
During this time, youngsters such as Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal showed remarkable numbers in the white-ball cricket. As a result, Gill replaced Shikhar Dhawan as a permanent opener in the side.
Shikhar Dhawan has scored the most runs in ODIs against Australia. In 30 ODIs, he racked up 1265 runs at an average of 45.17 and a strike rate of close to 100. Numerous cricketers took to their ‘X’ handle and paid tribute to India’s one of the biggest match-winners.
Here’s a look at some of those:
