Shikhar Dhawan, after a distinguished 14-year international career, recently declared his retirement via social media. His announcement, shared on a Saturday morning, marked the conclusion of his journey, with his last appearance in April for Punjab Kings during the IPL 2024. Across 269 matches, Dhawan showcased remarkable talent, accumulating a total of 24 international centuries, with 17 in ODIs and seven in Test matches.
In a heartfelt video message, Dhawan expressed his gratitude for his tenure in international and domestic cricket, emphasizing the importance of embracing new life chapters. He gracefully acknowledged his decision, stating, "I am leaving with peace in my heart that I played so long for India. I've told myself don't feel sad that you won't play for India anymore, but feel happy that you played for the country.
"Regarded as a prominent figure in modern ODI cricket, Dhawan joins an elite group of just eight batters to amass over 5000 runs at a 40-plus average and a 90-plus strike rate in the format’s history - a club that includes fellow Indian stalwarts Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Although his presence has been missed since the ODI series against Bangladesh in December 2022, Dhawan remains a standout performer, particularly in the ODI arena where his numbers excel.
While Dhawan captivated audiences with performances across all formats, his dominance in ODIs stands out prominently. Notably, his swift rise to prominence was marked by a scintillating 85-ball hundred against Australia in Mohali, which remains the fastest-ever century by a Test debutant. Despite bidding adieu to international cricket, Dhawan leaves behind a legacy rich with stellar achievements and memorable contributions to Indian cricket.