Rishi Dhawan, the esteemed fast-bowling allrounder from Himachal Pradesh, has declared his retirement from limited-overs cricket for India. The 34-year-old cricketer exits the international arena having made just four appearances, comprising three One Day Internationals (ODIs) and a single T20 International, all of which he played back in 2016. This announcement follows the completion of the group stage of the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy, where Dhawan has demonstrated his consistent performance once again.
It is essential to note that Dhawan's retirement pertains specifically to limited-overs formats, which implies he plans to continue participating in first-class cricket at least for the remainder of the current Ranji Trophy season. Himachal Pradesh currently stands second in Group B and is in contention for a quarter-final berth. Throughout this season, Dhawan has actively participated in all five of Himachal's matches, emerging as their second-highest run-scorer with an impressive tally of 397 runs at an average of 79.40. In addition to his batting prowess, he has also showcased his bowling skills, claiming 11 wickets with an average of 28.45.
In his retirement announcement shared on social media, Dhawan expressed the deep emotional impact of his decision, stating that he has no regrets regarding his journey in Indian cricket. He reflected on how the sport has significantly shaped his life over the past two decades, providing him with immense joy and cherished memories. Dhawan took the opportunity to extend his gratitude to various organizations, including the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA), and franchises such as Punjab Kings, Mumbai Indians, and Kolkata Knight Riders. He emphasized that representing his country on international platforms has been a privilege and highlighted the profound role cricket has played in his life.
Throughout his professional career, Dhawan has accumulated remarkable statistics in domestic cricket, particularly in List A matches and T20s. In 134 List A matches, he claimed 186 wickets at an average of 29.74 and scored 2,906 runs at an impressive average of 38.23, featuring one century. In the T20 format, he competed in 135 matches, achieving 118 wickets at an average of 26.44 and an economic rate of 7.06, while also contributing 1,740 runs with a strike rate of 121.33.
Among his numerous career highlights, Dhawan led Himachal Pradesh to their inaugural Vijay Hazare Trophy title during the 2021-22 season. In a remarkable achievement, he became the first player in the tournament's history to finish among the top five run-scorers and top five wicket-takers in the same season. He concluded that particular season as the second-highest run-getter with 458 runs and also as the second-highest wicket-taker with 17 wickets across eight matches. This victory marked a significant milestone as it was the first and only title that Himachal Pradesh secured in domestic cricket.
In the Indian Premier League (IPL), Dhawan's journey involved representing notable franchises, including Kings XI Punjab from 2014 to 2024 and Mumbai Indians in 2013. Over his IPL career, he picked up a total of 25 wickets and contributed 210 runs in 39 matches.
Rishi Dhawan's retirement marks the end of a notable chapter in his career, characterized by determination, skill, and a strong commitment to his craft. The cricketing community will undoubtedly remember his contributions and achievements, both at the domestic and international levels. While Dhawan may be stepping away from the limited-overs format, his influence and expertise will remain pivotal in the ongoing narrative of Indian cricket, especially as he continues to participate in the first-class circuit during the Ranji Trophy season. His legacy will inspire aspiring cricketers, highlighting the importance of perseverance and dedication in achieving success on the field. As he embarks on this new phase in his career, the cricket fraternity extends its best wishes for his future endeavors, both as a player and as a role model in the sport.