The Rise of a Star

Shikhar Dhawan's cricketing journey began in 2004 when he burst onto the scene with a stellar performance in the Under-19 World Cup. Scoring 505 runs and earning the Player of the Series award, Dhawan quickly became a player to watch. However, despite his early success, breaking into the Indian senior team proved challenging. Competing with the likes of Sourav Ganguly and Gautam Gambhir, Dhawan had to bide his time, honing his skills in domestic cricket.

A Rocky Start

Dhawan finally made his ODI debut for India in 2010 against Australia, but his start was far from ideal. A golden duck in his first innings and struggles in the series made it difficult for him to secure a permanent spot in the team. However, Dhawan’s resilience and determination ensured that he stayed in the mix, waiting for his moment to shine.

2013: The Breakthrough Year

Dhawan's career took a significant turn in 2013 when he was given a chance to prove himself in Test cricket. In his debut match against Australia in Mohali, Dhawan played a sensational knock, scoring 187 runs off just 85 balls. This innings not only announced his arrival on the big stage but also earned him a place in the Champions Trophy squad later that year.

Partnering with Rohit Sharma at the top of the order, Dhawan was instrumental in India's Champions Trophy triumph. He scored back-to-back centuries against South Africa and the West Indies, earning the Golden Bat award for being the tournament's highest run-scorer. His fearless approach and ability to score quickly made him a fan favorite and a crucial asset for the Indian team.

The ICC Tournament Specialist

Dhawan's performances in ICC tournaments became the stuff of legend. In the 2015 World Cup, he played a key role in India’s campaign, scoring 412 runs in 7 matches. His 137 against South Africa was a standout innings that helped India secure a crucial victory. Dhawan continued to shine in the 2017 Champions Trophy, once again earning the Golden Bat award.

Challenges and Triumphs

While Dhawan's white-ball career soared, his journey in Test cricket faced ups and downs. His struggle against swinging deliveries, particularly during the 2018 tour of England, led to his exclusion from the Test side. However, Dhawan remained a vital cog in India's ODI setup, delivering impactful performances whenever called upon.

2019 World Cup: A Short but Memorable Campaign

The 2019 World Cup saw Dhawan at his best, scoring a match-winning 115 against Australia, despite battling a thumb injury. Unfortunately, the injury cut short his tournament, marking the beginning of the end of his illustrious career. Despite his return to the team, Dhawan’s form began to wane, and the emergence of younger talents like Shubman Gill and Ishan Kishan meant that his time in the Indian jersey was coming to a close.

The Final Chapters

In the last few years, Dhawan's appearances for India have become less frequent, and his performances have lacked the consistency of his earlier years. However, he continued to lead the side on occasion, showing his value as a seasoned campaigner. His final international match for India came in December 2022, an ODI against Bangladesh in Mirpur.

A Legacy to Remember

Shikhar Dhawan's retirement marks the end of an era for Indian cricket. With 167 ODIs, 68 T20Is, and countless memorable innings under his belt, Dhawan leaves behind a legacy of passion, aggression, and unmatched skill. His contributions, particularly in ICC tournaments, have cemented his place as one of India's most dependable and beloved cricketers. As he hangs up his boots, fans will remember him as a true "Gabbar" of Indian cricket- fearless, charismatic, and always ready to take on the challenge.

Pic Credits: Twitter X / SDhawan25