Shikhar Dhawan announces retirement from international, domestic cricket

38-year-old Indian batter Shikhar Dhawan recently took to social media and made the huge announcement that he was retiring from international and domestic cricket. The former batter played 34 Tests, 167 ODIs, and 68 T20Is for the Indian team and was a true force of nature in his prime. 

Dhawan had not featured for the Indian team since India’s tour of Bangladesh in 2022. On social media, Dhawan posted a video in which he announced his decision to end his career. 

“I always had one goal in mind that was to play for India and I achieved it thanks to a lot of people. First of all of all my family, my childhood coach Tarak Sinha and Madan Sharma under their guidance, I learnt cricket. Then my entire team with whom I played for years, I got another family, fame and everyone’s love and support,” Dhawan said in the video.

“As it’s said that in order to move ahead in the story you need to flip over the pages. Hence, I’m also doing that. I’m announcing my retirement from international and domestic cricket," he added.

Playing his last game in 2022, Dhawan had gradually lost his place to youngsters like Shubman Gill and others. Furthermore, after his absence from the Indian team, the veteran batter went on to represent Punjab Kings in the IPL, but his campaigns had been marred by injury. 

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A true stalwart of Indian cricket, Dhawan will be leaving quite the legacy behind him, revered as one of the best opening batters in his prime. Throughout his career, the former batter scored 10,867 runs from 269 appearances, including 24 centuries, 44 fifties. 

His role was crucial in India winning the 2013 Champions Trophy in England, as it was his partnership with Rohit Sharma throughout the tournament which propelled India to a title win.