Shikhar Dhawan announces retirement from all cricket

India’s veteran batter Shikhar Dhawan has announced his retirement from all forms of cricket. Dhawan took to his social media account to make the announcement on Saturday. The left-hander played 34 Tests, 167 ODIs, and 68 T20Is scoring 2315, 6793, and 1579 runs respectively in the three formats.

Dhawan was a consistent performer for India in major ICC events and his performances in the big tournaments were always a standout. The southpaw scored 363 runs (highest in the tournament) in five matches of the 2013 Champions Trophy at an average of 90.75 and played an instrumental role in taking the team to glory.

Dhawan once again finished the leading run-getter in the 2017 Champions Trophy, scoring 338 runs in five matches at an average of 67.60. The left-hander was India’s leading run-scorer in the 2015 World Cup as well, as he amassed 412 runs in eight matches at an average of 51.50.

Furthermore, Dhawan scored a fine hundred against Australia in the 2019 World Cup but was ruled out of the ODI showpiece after suffering a hairline fracture on his thumb. However, after a few inconsistent performances in the ODI set up, he was replaced by Shubman Gill.

“It’s important to turn the page to move forward in a story, and in life. That’s why, I am announcing my retirement from international and domestic cricket,” Dhawan said in his retirement video. “I’ve told myself to not feel sad that you won’t play for India again, but feel happy that you played for the country.”

In his 222-game IPL career, Dhawan scored 6,769 runs. Dhawan also led India in 15 matches (12 ODIs and 3 T20Is), and 33 games in total for two IPL franchises – Punjab Kings and Sunrisers Hyderabad. He was also part of the 2016 IPL winners – SRH.

Dhawan also scored a fantastic 187 on his Test debut against Australia at the IS Bindra Stadium, Mohali.