Gautam Gambhir breaks silence on Shikhar Dhawan's retirement; did he force the Gabbar to retire?

Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir shared a heartwarming post after Shikhar Dhawan announced his retirement from international and domestic cricket.

Gautam Gambhir congratulated Shikhar Dhawan for his 'fantastic career' and added that he would spread the same joy in his second innings.

The Delhi-born cricketer announced his retirement just weeks before the IPL 2025 mega auction.

The 38-year-old sustained a shoulder injury during the IPL 2024 and had to miss matches for the Punjab Kings (PBKS). He also notably missed several games during the 2023 season with the same franchise.

Shikhar Dhawan played 34 Tests, 167 ODIs, and 68 T20Is for India. The left-handed batter scored 10,867 runs with 24 centuries and 55 half-centuries in three formats.

He last played for India in an ODI against Bangladesh in December 2022. Dhawan was not considered for the 2023 ODI World Cup at home.

Congratulations Shikhar Dhawan On A Fantastic Career - Gautam Gambhir

Gautam Gambhir quickly reacted after Shikhar Dhawan's retirement announcement on Saturday, August 24.

Gambhir expressed confidence that Dhawan would bring the same joy to his future endeavors. The Team India head coach shared a picture of Dhawan on his Instagram story.

“Congratulations Shiki on a fantastic career! I know you will spread the same joy through everything you take up in the future!” Gambhir wrote.

Congratulations Shiki on a fantastic career! I know you will spread the same joy through everything you take up in the future! @SDhawan25 pic.twitter.com/yE3mQjKXj5

— Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) August 24, 2024

Gautam Gambhir and Shikhar Dhawan played together for the Delhi state team. Gambhir also shared the dressing room with Dhawan in the Indian Premier League for the Delhi Daredevils in the early seasons. They also played together for the Indian national cricket team in international cricket.

A Man For The Big Tournaments - Wasim Jaffer

Former Indian opener Wasim Jaffer congratulated Shikhar Dhawan on his retirement. Jaffer praised Dhawan for his contributions to big tournaments. The former batter noted that Dhawan always prioritized the team's success over individual recognition. He wished Dhawan the best for his future endeavors.

“A man for the big tournaments. Never got the plaudits he deserved but knowing him he didn't care who got the applause as long as team was winning. A team man through and through. Congratulations on a stellar career and all the best for your second innings @SDhawan25,” wrote Jaffer.

A man for the big tournaments. Never got the plaudits he deserved but knowing him he didn't care who got the applause as long as team was winning. A team man through and through. Congratulations on a stellar career and all the best for your second innings @SDhawan25 🤗 pic.twitter.com/Y4fMBbIIfR

— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) August 24, 2024

Dhawan played a role in India's Champions Trophy 2013 win. He also delivered an impressive performance during India's semi-final run in the 2015 ODI World Cup, including a knock against South Africa. Dhawan scored a century against Australia during the 2019 ODI World Cup despite a thumb injury.

Shikhar's final international game was during the ODI series against Bangladesh in 2022. With Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Ruturaj Gaikwad emerging, Dhawan fell the pecking order. The veteran opening batter last played a T20I match in July 2021 and last played a Test match for India in 2018.

Also read: Shikhar Dhawan picks his favorite innings of his career after announcing retirement