Shikhar Dhawan announces retirement from international and domestic cricket; Shares emotional video on social media

Veteran Indian cricketer and one of the finest white-ball openers, Shikhar Dhawan, announced his retirement from international and domestic cricket with immediate effect on Saturday, August 24. Shikhar Dhawan shared this decision with fans through a video on his official social media account.

Shikhar Dhawan last played for India in an ODI against Bangladesh in December 2022. Dhawan scored 10,867 international runs in 269 matches, including 24 centuries and 44 fifties. He is the 12th leading run-getter for India across formats. He also played over 400 domestic matches for Delhi since 2004.

The left-handed batter made his international debut against Australia in an ODI in Visakhapatnam. However, he was dismissed for a two-ball duck in his first international match. Dhawan returned to the Indian team in 2013 and then cemented his spot in all three formats with impressive performances.

I'm Announcing My Retirement From International And Domestic Cricket - Shikhar Dhawan

Shikhar Dhawan expressed deep gratitude for his journey and thanked his childhood coaches, Tarak Sinha and Madan Sharma. Dhawan emphasized that his lifelong dream was to play for India and added that he achieved that goal.

“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 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, got another family, fame and everyone’s love and support. As it’s said that 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," said Dhawan in the video.

As I close this chapter of my cricketing journey, I carry with me countless memories and gratitude. Thank you for the love and support! Jai Hind! 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/QKxRH55Lgx

— Shikhar Dhawan (@SDhawan25) August 24, 2024

I Have A Lot For My Country - Shikhar Dhawan

The 38-year-old cricketer said that he has the satisfaction of having played a lot for his country. Dhawan also thanked the BCCI, DDCA, and his fans for their support throughout his career. He stated that playing for his country is the biggest achievement for him.

"And now when I’m bidding adieu to my cricketing journey, I have the satisfaction that I played a lot for my country. I’m really thankful to the BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) and DDCA (Delhi & District Cricket Association) for giving me this opportunity and all of my fans for their love and support.

I just say this to myself that don’t be sad that you won’t play for your country again but always be happy that you played for your country. And it’s the biggest achievement for me that I played,” Dhawan added.

Shikhar Dhawan made a memorable Test debut on March 16, 2013. The southpaw scored the fastest century by a debutant in just 85 balls. Dhawan delivered outstanding performances in ICC ODI tournaments. He won the 'Golden Bat' as the top run-scorer in the 2013 and 2017 Champions Trophies.

The Delhi-born cricketer was also India's top run-scorer in the 2015 ODI World Cup. He scored 6,793 runs in 167 ODI matches at an average of 44.11 with a strike rate of 91.35, including seven centuries and five fifties. Dhawan scored 1,759 runs in 68 T20Is at an average of 27.92 and a strike rate of 126.36.

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