Shikhar Dhawan or Gabbar: A Tribute to a Legendary Career
Former Indian cricket team opener Shikhar dhawan announces his retirement from international and domestic cricket on saturday. Dhawan, often referred to as “Gabbar” for his aggressive batting style with distinctive persona, has been a pivotal figure in Indian cricket.
Shikhar Dhawan’s cricketing journey began in Delhi, where his talent was evident from a young age. His performances in domestic cricket caught the attention of selectors, and he made his mark in the IPL with the Delhi Daredevils (now Capitals).
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Dhawan’s international debut came in 2010 against Australia but it was his performance in 2013 champions trophy against Australia that actually announced his arrival on stage. A score of 187 runs in debut innings gives a remarkable start to his test career.This innings was not just a personal achievement but also a sign of Dhawan’s ability to deliver in crucial moments.
Dhawan announced his retirement on social media
In a message he said,”It is important to turn the page to move forward in life and that’s why I am announcing my retirement from international and domestic cricket .I am leaving with peace in my heart that I played for so long for India. I tell myself not to feel sad that you will not played for India anymore , but to feel happy that you played for your country”.
I feel emotional to announce that I will no longer be a part of #CWC19. Unfortunately, the thumb won’t recover on time. But the show must go on.. I’m grateful for all the love & support from my team mates, cricket lovers & our entire nation. Jai Hind!🙏 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/zx8Ihm3051
— Shikhar Dhawan (@SDhawan25) June 19, 2019
The Impact on Indian Cricket
Dhawan’s career is defined by his ability to play impactful innings. His presence at the top of the order provided stability and aggression in equal measure. His partnership with Rohit Sharma became one of the most successful opening combinations in limited-overs cricket. Together, they formed a formidable duo, often setting up matches for India with their dynamic performances.
One of Dhawan’s standout features was his adaptability. Whether it was the fast-paced ODI format, the demanding T20s, or the more methodical Test matches, Dhawan’s approach was always aggressive and entertaining. His knack for performing in ICC tournaments, including the 2015 and 2019 World Cups, where he was among the top run-scorers, further cemented his reputation as a big-match player.
His stunning century in the 2015 World Cup against South Africa, where he scored 137, was a crucial knock that helped India secure a victory. His unbeaten 114 against the West Indies in the 2019 World Cup showcased his ability to anchor the innings while accelerating when required. With strike rate of 101.39 Dhawan was selected as the player – of – the – tournament.
He became second fastest Indian to score 6000 runs in only 143 matches in ODIs.
His IPL career starts with Delhi Daredevils after that he connects with different teams like Sunrisers Hyderabad, Mumbai Indians & at last Punjab Kings.
IPL Career :
Matches – 222
Total runs – 6769
Centuries- 2
Half Centuries – 51
Highest Score- 106* against the KKR in 2018
Batting average – 35.2
Strike Rate- 127.1
Challenges and Resilience
Like any sports career, Dhawan’s journey was full challenges in cricket with personal challenges. But his ability to bounce back from setbacks and maintain his spot in the team speaks about his character and determination towards cricket .
He is a inspiration and mentor for young cricketers, his role as a senior player helped shape the future of Indian cricket.
Retirement and legacy
His announcement retirement after being dropped from the Indian team for over a year raises the question : What ‘gabbar’ of Indian cricket will be known for ?
His retirement from international cricket is a significant moment in sport’s history. His aggressive style and charismatic presence will be remembered by fans. As he steps away from cricket , but his contributions to team and nation will continue to inspire future players.
Future Endeavors
With his retirement , his focus may shift towards new ventures . Whether it’s mentoring new cricketers, engaging in commentary, or exploring opportunities outside cricket, but Dhawan’s influence on the game will persist always . His passion and dedication for cricket suggests that his journey is far from over.
As we bid farewell to one of most entertaining players, we also look forward to witnessing the next chapter of his journey, knowing that his contributions to cricket will remain significant for years to come.