On Saturday, August 24, Shikhar Dhawan declared his retirement from playing cricket both domestically and abroad. The southpaw played in the IPL 2024 for the Punjab Kings, however he was forced to withdraw due to a shoulder injury. Despite having a strong start, he was never able to recover from his five-match total of 152 runs, which included a half-century against the Lucknow Super Giants. Dhawan declared his retirement three months following the tournament’s conclusion.
The southpaw announced his choice on social media. Although he claimed to be happy with the choice, the cricket player occasionally finds it difficult to suppress his sadness at not being able to play for India any more. Notably, the 38-year-old scored 10,867 runs, including 24 hundreds, while playing for the national team in 269 international matches.
“I am announcing my retirement from domestic and international cricket because I believe it’s important to turn the page and move forward in life.” I have played for India for a very long time, and I am departing with peace in my heart. In a video message, Dhawan stated, “I tell myself not to feel sad that you will not play for India anymore, but to feel happy that you played for your country.”
A number of Dhawan’s teammates and previous cricket players praised him on his outstanding career following his declaration of retirement. Recalling his contributions to ICC competitions, Wasim Jaffer said that the player from Delhi never received the recognition he deserved. In the 2015 ODI World Cup, Dhawan amassed 412 runs in eight games and struck 125 runs in two matches prior to being forced out of the 2019 competition due to injury.
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In 2013, he also had a significant role in India’s Champions Trophy victory. In the competition, he amassed 363 runs in five games, good for the top run scorer title. In addition to being a fantastic batter, Dhawan was also a fantastic fielder and entertainer, for which he received a lot of positive feedback on social media.
Here’s how the cricketing fraternity reacted:
A man for the big tournaments. Never got the plaudits he deserved but knowing him he didn’t care who got the applause as long as team was winning. A team man through and through. Congratulations on a stellar career and all the best for your second innings @SDhawan25 🤗 pic.twitter.com/Y4fMBbIIfR
— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) August 24, 2024
Have always admired Shikhar Dhawan. Played with an endearing smile through his impressive successful international career. A guy who punched well above his weight. Made the most, & more, with what he had. Hats off! 🙇🙇#ShikharRetires
— Sanjay Manjrekar (@sanjaymanjrekar) August 24, 2024
As I close this chapter of my cricketing journey, I carry with me countless memories and gratitude. Thank you for the love and support! Jai Hind! 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/QKxRH55Lgx
— Shikhar Dhawan (@SDhawan25) August 24, 2024
Your hard work and passion for the sport has been exemplary, Shikhar.
Congrats on a wonderful career.
Wishing you an even better second innings. I’m sure you’ll keep entertaining your fans for years to come 🙌 https://t.co/yVyhrEdnNq— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) August 24, 2024
As I close this chapter of my cricketing journey, I carry with me countless memories and gratitude. Thank you for the love and support! Jai Hind! 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/QKxRH55Lgx
— Shikhar Dhawan (@SDhawan25) August 24, 2024
Many congratulations Shikhar on a fantastic career.
The thing I loved about Shikhar apart from the fact that he was a fabulous cricketer, was the person that he was, always amicable and looking at the positives in every situation. Wish you all the best @SDhawan25 in the journey… https://t.co/MHlfDpSdsv— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) August 24, 2024
As I close this chapter of my cricketing journey, I carry with me countless memories and gratitude. Thank you for the love and support! Jai Hind! 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/QKxRH55Lgx
— Shikhar Dhawan (@SDhawan25) August 24, 2024
Congratulations @SDhawan25, on a remarkable career filled with countless milestones! 🏏 It was an absolute pleasure sharing the dressing room with you, brother. Wishing you all the best for your future endeavors. Onwards and upwards! 🙌 #legend https://t.co/0WfLs18cWa
— Suresh Raina🇮🇳 (@ImRaina) August 24, 2024
Congrats @SDhawan25 on an fantastic career. Hope your second innings is as Dabangful and Dhawanful as your first. Your impact on this game has been fantastic and i will cherish all the fun moments you gave us with your presence. Go well Jatt Ji. #retirement pic.twitter.com/82iqWr4Gw0
— Unmukt Chand (@UnmuktChand9) August 24, 2024
Congratulations Shiki on a fantastic career! I know you will spread the same joy through everything you take up in the future! @SDhawan25 pic.twitter.com/yE3mQjKXj5
— Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) August 24, 2024
As I close this chapter of my cricketing journey, I carry with me countless memories and gratitude. Thank you for the love and support! Jai Hind! 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/QKxRH55Lgx
— Shikhar Dhawan (@SDhawan25) August 24, 2024
Badhaai ho Shikkhi. Ever since the time you replaced me in Mohali, you didn’t look back and some top performances over the years. May you continue to have fun and live life to the fullest. Very best wishes always. https://t.co/jHvfLAhp14
— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) August 24, 2024
Congratulations for ur wonderful cricket journey paaji ❤️👏👏
— Rahul Sharma (@ImRahulSharma3) August 24, 2024
As I close this chapter of my cricketing journey, I carry with me countless memories and gratitude. Thank you for the love and support! Jai Hind! 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/QKxRH55Lgx
— Shikhar Dhawan (@SDhawan25) August 24, 2024
Your journey has been amazing to watch Gabbar and as you begin this new chapter in your life, I wish you all the success and happiness you deserve champ. Happy retirement @SDhawan25 🏏🤍#ShikarDhawan #Gabbar pic.twitter.com/RMTw7g6DKn
— Chetan Sharma (@chetans1987) August 24, 2024
India
