Shikhar Dhawan, fondly known as ‘Gabbar,’ has been a stalwart of Indian cricket for over a decade. His journey from the streets of Delhi to becoming one of India’s most reliable openers is a tale of perseverance, flair, and remarkable achievements.
Born on December 5, 1985, in Delhi, Dhawan’s cricketing journey began at a young age. He first made headlines during the 2004 Under-19 World Cup, where he was the leading run-scorer and named the Player of the Tournament. Despite his early promise, Shikhar Dhawan had to wait several years before breaking into the national team, honing his skills in domestic cricket and the Indian Premier League (IPL).
Dhawan made his One Day International (ODI) debut against Australia in October 2010. However, it was his Test debut in March 2013 that truly announced his arrival on the international stage.
Facing Australia in Mohali, Dhawan scored a blistering 187 off 174 balls, the fastest century by a debutant in Test cricket2. This inning set the tone for his career, characterized by aggressive stroke play and an unflappable temperament.
Dhawan’s prowess in limited-overs cricket is well-documented. He was instrumental in India’s triumph in the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy, where he was the leading run-scorer and named the Player of the Tournament. His ability to perform in high-pressure situations earned him the nickname ‘Mr. ICC’ for his consistent performances in ICC tournaments.
Over his career, Shikhar Dhawan amassed over 6,793 runs in ODIs, including 17 centuries. He was also a key player in T20 Internationals, contributing significantly to India’s success in the shortest format of the game.
In the IPL, Dhawan’s consistency and flair made him one of the most sought-after players. He played for several franchises, including Delhi Capitals, Sunrisers Hyderabad, and Punjab Kings. Dhawan holds the record for hitting the most fours in IPL history and is second only to Virat Kohli in aggregate runs. His leadership skills were also on display as he captained both Sunrisers Hyderabad and Punjab Kings at different points in his career.
On August 24, 2024, Dhawan announced his retirement from all forms of cricket3. His departure marks the end of an era for Indian cricket, but his legacy will endure. Dhawan’s career is a testament to his resilience, skill, and passion for the game. He leaves a rich legacy of memorable innings, records, and a generation of cricketers inspired by his journey.
Shikhar Dhawan’s career is a story of grit and glory. From his explosive debut to his consistent performances in major tournaments, Dhawan has left an indelible mark on Indian cricket. As fans bid farewell to ‘Gabbar,’ his contributions to the sport will be remembered and celebrated for years.
What are your favourite memories of Shikhar Dhawan’s career?
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