Shikhar Dhawan, an experienced left-handed opening batsman for India, has officially retired from both international and domestic cricket.
The cricketer, aged 38, announced the news in an emotional video on Instagram, thanking all those who have supported him during his career.
Reflecting back on his cricketing career, Dhawan said, “Now at this point in my life, I look back, and then I look forward to another life. It has always been my dream to play for India and I am glad that I got the chance to do that. I would like to thank my family first and foremost, and then my childhood coaches and of course my teammates, my other family. But, as they say, you can’t read the next page until you turn it.
He conveyed his satisfaction with his choice in a heartfelt statement, stating, “I declare my retirement from both international and domestic cricket with a peaceful heart.”. “I have represented my country in many games. Instead of being upset that I never get the chance to play for India again, I choose to be thankful for the opportunities I had.”
Dhawan gained recognition for his strong and reliable playing style, becoming a crucial figure for India, especially in the realm of One Day Internationals (ODIs). In 167 ODI games, he scored 6,793 runs with an average of 44.1, achieving 17 centuries and 39 half-centuries.
He shared many significant partnerships in Test cricket, most notably with Murali Vijay, with whom he scored 2,315 runs in 34 matches at an average of 40.6. He made seven 100s and five 50s in his Test career. He played in 68 T20 Internationals, accumulating 1,759 runs with an average of 27.9 and achieving 11 half-centuries.
The Indian star cricketer’s talent excelled in domestic cricket, where he participated in 122 First-Class games, accumulating 8,499 runs with an average of 44.26, achieving 25 centuries and 29 fifties. In List A cricket, he participated in 302 games, scoring an impressive 12,074 runs with an average of 43.90, including 30 centuries and 67 half-centuries.
