Shikhar Dhawan Bids Adieu to Cricket Career but plans a comeback: Watch out for his 'Legendary' Return

Shikhar Dhawan, a left-handed opening batter and right-arm off break bowler, who made his debut in the world of cricket in 2010, has recently announced his retirement from International and Domestic Leagues. He last appeared for the Men in Blue ODI Series during the tour of Bangladesh in December 2022. Since 2010, Dhawan has played a majority of his career under Kohli’s captaincy, who first appeared in international cricket in 2008. 

Career Scoreboard

Shikhar Dhawan is the first player to hit back-to-back centuries in the IPL and also holds the record for hitting most fours in the IPL. He is also the first Indian cricketer to captain more than one team in the IPL (PBKS and SRH). 

Dhawan stunned all observers when he scored 2,315 runs in 34 matches with an average of 40.61, including seven centuries in Test cricket and stroked his way to the fastest Test century as a debutant.

His T20I career saw him scoring 1,759 runs at a strike rate of 126.36.

Although Dhawan tailed off in the Champion Trophy Campaign in England in 2013 and Asia Cup in 2014, he continued to remain a top run-scorer for India in numerous other major tournaments, including 2015 ODI World Cup, 2017 Champions Trophy, and 2018 Asia Cup, contributing significantly to India's cricketing success over the years.

Reactions on his retirement announcement

Sunil Gavasker, former India opener said that Shikhar Dhawan’s retirement will leave the sport ‘poorer’. Gavaskar also emphasised on various opportunities available for retiring cricketers in order to stay connected with the sport, suggesting that Dhawan can still bring joy to fans in various roles. He also added that no matter what Shikhar chooses, he will do it with the same cheer that he brought to the game and will be adored by the fans. 

Further to this, Virat Kohli also posted a warm tribute on social media, to Shikhar Dhawan.

Virat wrote on X, “Shikhar, from your fearless debut to becoming one of India’s most dependable openers, you’ve given us countless memories to cherish. Your passion for the game, your sportsmanship and your trademark smile will be missed, but your legacy lives on. Thank you for the memories, unforgettable performances and always leading with your heart. Wishing you the best in your next innings, off the field Gabbar.” 

He also added, Dhawan’s characteristic passion and smile will be missed in the Indian dressing-room.

Comeback soon after announcing retirement

Two days after his retirement, Shikhar Dhawan revealed his comeback and is set to hit the field in September. Talking about various opportunities, Shikhar decided to make a comeback not to play for India or in the IPL, but to join the long list of retired Indian players to feature in the Legends League Cricket (LLC).

He will be making his debut in September, to which he added, “I am eager to regroup with my cricketing friends and continue to entertain my fans as we create new memories together.”