 "Shikhar Dhawan's last match for India was an ODI against Bangladesh at Chattogram on 10 December 2022. PTI")
Hardik Pandya and Sanjay Manjrekar hailed Shikhar Dhawan after the former India opener bid goodbye to his international and domestic cricket career on Saturday with a video message on X (formerly Twitter). The 38-year-old in the video said it was time to turn a new page in his life and thanked his family, coaches, BCCI and DDCA for their support.
Dhawan added that as he moves on from his international cricket career, he is “happy that he played for India”.
“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," Dhawan said.
“I am telling myself one thing that don’t be sad that you will not be able to represent India again but be happy that you played for India for so long. For me the biggest thing is that I played,” he added.
Sehwag, Pandya congratulate Dhawan
Former India opener and batting Virender Sehwag was one of the first to congratulate Dhawan on ending a highly successful career.
“Badhaai ho Shikkhi. Ever since the time you replaced me in Mohali, you didn’t look back and some top performances over the years. May you continue to have fun and live life to the fullest. Very best wishes always,” Sehwag wrote on X.
Hailing the Delhi cricketer’s career, his former teammate Hardik Pandya on Instagram wrote: “Only the best for you Shiki paa. Congratulations on a wonderful career.”
Former India batter Manjrekar wrote that he had always admired Dhawan who played with an “endearing smile”.
“Have always admired Shikhar Dhawan. Played with an endearing smile through his impressive successful international career. A guy who punched well above his weight. Made the most, & more, with what he had. Hats off!”
Pakistan batting great Saeed Anwar in a reply to Dhawan’s retirement announcement video praised the former India cricketer for his hard work and determination.
“Your hard work, determination, quality cricketing skills, and great human being will always be remembered; thank you, boy, for wishing you all the best for the next career ahead,” he replied to Dhawan’s post.
The BCCI also congratulated Dhawan on a successful career.
“As Shikhar Dhawan retires from International and Domestic cricket, we wish him all the very best for the road ahead,” BCCI posted on X.
Always a fan favourite, Dhawan’s announcement also resulted in fans showing their love for the legendary cricketer on social media platforms.
Here are the best reactions:
Dhawan played for India in 167 ODIs and scored 6793 runs at an average of 44.11 and a strike rate of 91.35. He smashed seven hundreds and five fifties. In 34 Test matches, Dhawan scored 2315 runs at an average of 40.61 with seven hundreds and five fifties.
The Delhi cricketer also played 68 T20Is and amassed 1759 runs at an average of 27.92 and a strike rate of 126.36. He scored 11 fifties.
Dhawan’s last match for India was an ODI against Bangladesh at Chattogram on 10 December 2022.
Dhawan was also known as ‘Mr ICC’ during his playing career for scoring plenty of runs in global tournaments. He was the highest run-getter in the 2013 and 2017 Champions Trophy and India’s top run-scorer in the 2015 ODI World Cup.