Virat Kohli issues an official statement on Shikhar Dhawan's retirement

Shikhar Dhawan announced his retirement from all forms of cricket on August 24 (Saturday). Dhawan finished as one of India's most successful openers with close to 11000 runs in international cricket.

On August 25, Virat Kohli posted an emotional message for his childhood friend Shikhar Dhawan and wished him good luck for the future. Kohli and Dhawan have been good friends ever since their Under-19 days for Delhi.

Both played their domestic cricket for Delhi both of them rose into prominence from superb show in the Under-19 World Cups. While Dhawan was the highest run-scorer in the 2004 Under-19 World Cup, Virat Kohli was India's highest run-getter in 2008 Under-19 World Cup and took India to a title win as well.

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Virat Kohli posts an emotional farewell message to Shikhar Dhawan on his retirement

Kohli took to social media to post an emotional message for his friend and former India teammate Shikhar Dhawan. He remembered his unforgettable memories with Dhawan when they both played for India together.

"Shikhar @SDhawan25 from your fearless debut to becoming one of India's most dependable openers, you've given us countless memories to cherish. Your passion for the game, your sportsmanship and your trademark smile will be missed, but your legacy lives on. Thank you for the memories, unforgettable performances and always leading with your heart. Wishing you the best in your next innings, off the field Gabbar!" Kohli posted on X (formerly Twitter).

Shikhar @SDhawan25 from your fearless debut to becoming one of India's most dependable openers, you've given us countless memories to cherish. Your passion for the game, your sportsmanship and your trademark smile will be missed, but your legacy lives on. Thank you for the…

— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) August 25, 2024

Virat Kohli and Shikhar Dhawan have been long-time friends and their friendship strengthened even more when they both played for India together. It was in 2013 when Dhawan started establishing himself as one of the top openers for India in limited overs cricket.

Shikhar Dhawan and Virat Kohli's partnership numbers

Dhawan had a fabulous 2013 Champions Trophy where he emerged as the highest run-getter of the tournament and also won the 'Player of the Tournament' award. In the same tournament, Virat Kohli played a vital knock in the final to win the 'Player of the Match.' India won the tournament by defeating England in the final.

Shikhar Dhawan and Virat Kohli have been involved in numerous partnerships together in ODI cricket. They have scored 3430 runs in 60 innings at an average of 60.17. They stitched together 10 century partnerships and 18 half-century partnerships in ODIs.

Solid Top three for India

Between 2013 and 2019, Shikhar Dhawan, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli combined to become a solid top order for India and won a no. of games. The three batters combined to score more than 100 centuries in five years.

Shikhar Dhawan's final international match was against Bangladesh in 2022. Virat Kohli was also a part of that Playing XI, which India won by 227 runs.