Shikhar Dhawan: The Unsung Hero of Indian Cricket's Opening Gambit

Shikhar Dhawan: The Unsung Hero of Indian Cricket’s Opening Gambit

In the hallowed halls of Indian cricket, the opening gambit has long been dominated by iconic figures like Sunil Gavaskar, Virender Sehwag, Sachin Tendulkar, and Rohit Sharma. However, behind these towering presences, there have been equally indispensable partners who have played a crucial role in shaping the team’s success.

One such unsung hero is Shikhar Dhawan, who has forged a formidable alliance with Rohit Sharma in limited-overs cricket, particularly ODIs. Dhawan’s contributions have often been overshadowed by the brilliance of his illustrious teammates, but his impact on the team’s fortunes cannot be understated.

Like many of his predecessors, Dhawan had to endure a period of apprenticeship before breaking into the senior India team. Despite being an outstanding under-19 player, he had to wait until 2010 to make his ODI debut against Australia. The occasion was marked by a duck, but Dhawan persevered and eventually made his Test debut against the same opposition in 2013.

Dhawan’s Test career was marked by a mix of brilliance and inconsistency. His 2,315 runs at an average of 40.61 offered welcome stability, but his tendency to get out early in his innings often cost India valuable wickets. In ODIs, however, Dhawan was a different beast.

With his aggressive style of play, Dhawan quickly established himself as a key member of India’s ODI team. His ability to score runs at a rapid pace and his penchant for big hits made him a nightmare for opposition bowlers. In 146 ODIs, Dhawan amassed 6,793 runs at an average of 44.11, with 17 centuries and a strike rate of 91.35.

Dhawan’s partnership with Rohit Sharma was one of the most successful in ODI history. Together, they stitched together 5,148 runs, averaging 45.55, and are placed fourth in the all-time list of opening partnerships. Their chemistry on and off the field was evident, and they played a pivotal role in India’s 2013 Champions Trophy triumph.

Despite his success in ODIs, Dhawan’s Test career never quite reached the same heights. His aggressive approach often led to his downfall, and he struggled to adapt to the demands of the longer format. In 34 Tests, he scored 2,315 runs at an average of 40.61, with seven centuries.

In T20Is and the Indian Premier League, Dhawan was also a force to be reckoned with. His ability to score runs quickly and his versatility made him a valuable asset to any team. He was always ready to step up and lead when his fellow batting stars were unavailable.

Dhawan’s retirement from international cricket in August 2023 marked the end of an era. He will be remembered as a flamboyant opener in ODIs and a reasonably effective one in Tests. His tale will always be a story of respect in retrospect, and his teammates will miss him dearly.

Shikhar Dhawan Retires from International and Domestic Cricket

Shikhar Dhawan Retires from International and Domestic Cricket

Shikhar Dhawan, the prolific left-handed batsman, has bid farewell to his illustrious international and domestic cricket career. The announcement, made via a heartfelt video message on social media, marks the end of an era for one of India’s most successful opening partnerships.

Dhawan’s international journey spanned over a decade, during which he played 34 Tests, 167 ODIs, and 68 T20Is. In Tests, he amassed 2315 runs at an average of 40.61, including seven centuries and five fifties. In white-ball cricket, he scored 6793 runs in ODIs and 1759 runs in T20Is, averaging 44.11 and 27.92 respectively.

Dhawan’s most notable achievement was his partnership with Rohit Sharma, with whom he formed one of India’s most formidable opening pairs. Together, they shared countless memorable moments on the field, including a six-year period where they, along with Virat Kohli, scored a century of centuries across formats.

Dhawan’s retirement comes after a successful career that saw him rise to the occasion for India in numerous ICC tournaments. He was a key member of the team that won the 2013 Champions Trophy and the 2011 World Cup.

In his retirement message, Dhawan expressed gratitude for the opportunity to represent India and the memories he has made along the way. He stated, “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.”

Dhawan’s retirement leaves a void in the Indian cricket team, but his legacy as a prolific batsman and a true ambassador of the sport will continue to inspire generations to come.

Shikhar Dhawan Shares Heartwarming Friendship Day Anecdotes with Rohit Sharma

Shikhar Dhawan Shares Heartwarming Friendship Day Anecdotes with Rohit Sharma

Shikhar Dhawan Recalls Fond Memories with Rohit Sharma on Friendship Day

On the occasion of Friendship Day, Indian cricketer Shikhar Dhawan shared heartwarming anecdotes about his camaraderie with India captain Rohit Sharma. In a video released by Star Sports, Dhawan expressed his admiration for Sharma, calling him his favorite opening partner.

“I have opened with him for 8-10 years, so I have a strong bond with him. He is a gem of a person,” said Dhawan.

Dhawan recalled a particular moment that brought them closer on the field. “He used to like it a lot whenever I sang one particular song, ‘putt jattan de bulaonde bakre’. So he would look at me and then sing the same song. It’s one moment that repeated often.”

Dhawan sang a few lines from the song, which he used to sing and then laugh.

Despite his absence from the national team for over a year, Dhawan remains a respected figure in Indian cricket. He has played 34 Tests, 167 ODIs, and 68 T20Is for India, scoring 2315, 6793, and 1759 runs respectively.

Dhawan’s bond with Sharma extends beyond the cricket field. They have been friends for many years and share a mutual respect for each other’s abilities.

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