Shikhar Dhawan announces retirement from international, domestic cricket: 'I am at peace'

Shikhar Dhawan on Saturday announced his retirement from international and domestic cricket. The opening batter revealed his decision through a video on social media. The 38-year-old left-handed batter played for India in 34 Tests, 167 ODIs, and 68 T20Is from 2010 to 2022.

“As I close this chapter of my cricketing journey, I carry with me countless memories and gratitude. Thank you for the love and support,” Dhawan wrote on X while announcing his retirement.

I only had one dream and that was to play for India and I even achieved that," Dhawan said in the video.

“I am thankful for so many people who contributed in my journey. First of all my family. My childhood coach Late Tarak Sinha, and Madan Sharma under whose guidance I learnt the basics of the game.

“I would also like to thank my team with whom I have played cricket for so long. I got another family, I got name, fame and love of all the fans,” he added.

“There is a saying you need to turn the page to move forward in a story. That’s what I am going to do. I am announcing my retirement from international and domestic cricket. When I am calling time on my career, I am at peace because I have played so much for country. I am thankful to BCCI and DDCA for giving me the opportunity. I am also thankful to the fans, who has given me so much love over the years," he said.

“I am telling myself one thing that don’t be sad that you will not be able to represent India again but he is happy that he has played for India for so long. For me the biggest thing is that I played,” Dhawan signed off.

Dhawan made his debut for India in an ODI against Australia at Vishakapatnam in 2010. His last ODI was against Bangladesh at Chattogram in 2022. His T20I debut was against West Indies at Port of Spain in 2011 with the last one coming against Sri Lanka in Colombo in 2021.

Dhawan’s Test career began with a match against Australia in 2013 and his last five-day match was against England at The Oval in 2018.

In 34 Tests, he scored 2315 runs at an average of 40.61 and smashed seven hundreds and five fifties. His highest score was 190. In 167 ODIs, Dhawan amassed 6793 runs at 44.11 including 17 hundreds and 39 fifties. His career-best score was 143.

In 68 T20Is, Dhawan scored 1759 runs at an average of 27.92 and a strike rate of 126.36. He scored 11 fifties with the highest score being 92.