Veteran India opener Shikhar Dhawan has officially announced his retirement from all forms of cricket, two years after his last appearance for the national team. The 38-year-old cricketer, known for his flamboyant batting style, expressed his satisfaction in having represented India across all formats and concluded his illustrious career on a high note.

"Thank you for the love and support"

Shikhar Dhawan made his international debut in 2010 in an ODI against Australia and went on to play 34 Tests, 167 ODIs, and 68 T20Is for India. While he was known for his consistent performances in the 50-over format, scoring 6793 runs at an average of 44.11 with 17 centuries, he also made notable contributions in Test cricket, accumulating 2315 runs at an average of 40.61, including seven hundreds. Despite early setbacks, Dhawan returned to prominence in 2013, particularly during India's victorious Champions Trophy campaign in England, where he was named Player of the Tournament.

"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!," Dhawan said in a post on 'X'.

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

"It's important to turn the page to move forward in life and that's why I am announcing my retirement from international and domestic cricket. As I bid goodbye to my cricket journey, I have peace in my heart that I played for so long," he said.

One of Dhawan's standout moments was his unforgettable Test debut in Mohali in 2013, where he scored a blistering 185 against Australia, reaching his century in just 85 balls. At his peak, Dhawan was known for his aggressive stroke play and powerful hitting, becoming a mainstay of the Indian top order alongside Rohit Sharma.

"I am standing at a point in my life where when I look back, I see only memories, and when I look ahead, I see a new world. I had just one goal in life, to play for India, and I made it happen," he said.

"I am very thankful to DDCA (Delhi and Districts Cricket Association), the BCCI and my fans. And that's why I tell myself, don't be sad that you won't play for India again but be happy that you played for your country. And that's the biggest thing for me, that I played," he added. 

IPL success and final farewell

Dhawan also left an indelible mark in the Indian Premier League (IPL), amassing 6769 runs across 222 matches, including two hundreds and 51 fifties. His tally of 768 boundaries is the highest by any player in the history of the tournament. A vital part of Sunrisers Hyderabad's title-winning campaign in 2016, Dhawan played for several franchises, including Delhi, Mumbai, and Punjab, captaining Delhi and Punjab during his career.

"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." "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 in the video.

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Although fitness issues restricted his appearances in the 2024 IPL season, Dhawan's legacy in the tournament is cemented, especially with his record as the first player to hit consecutive hundreds in the league. Reflecting on his journey, Dhawan thanked his coaches, teammates, and fans for their unwavering support throughout his career.