Shikhar Dhawan announces retirement (x)

Shikhar Dhawan, affectionately known as ‘Gabbar,’ has always been India’s go-to man in ICC tournaments, as he delivered memorable performances when it mattered most. 

As the 38-year-old left-handed opener officially retired from international cricket, his legacy as a big-match player remains a significant part of his career.

In ODIs, he played 167 matches, amassing 6793 runs at an average of 44.11, including 17 centuries and 39 half-centuries. In T20Is, he played 68 matches, and scored 1759 runs at an average of 27.92. 

His consistency and flair at the top of the order made him a critical player in India’s limited-overs setup. 

So in this article, let’s take a look at the top 3 memorable knocks of Shikhar Dhawan.

3. 117 vs Australia, 2019

Shikhar Dhawan’s brilliant knock against Australia (x)

Shikhar Dhawan’s remarkable resilience and determination were on full display during the 2019 World Cup when he produced one of the most memorable innings of his career against Australia. 

What made this innings even more extraordinary was the fact that Dhawan batted through immense pain. On 25 runs, a fiery 150 kmph delivery struck his thumb, and caused a fracture. 

Despite the injury, he refused to leave the field. Fueled by sheer determination and adrenaline, he continued to bat with incredible composure and scored 92 of his 117 runs after sustaining the injury. 

2. 137 vs South Africa,  2015

Shikhar Dhawan’s explosive knock against South Africa (x)

In India’s crucial match against South Africa, Shikhar Dhawan showcased why he was a force to be reckoned with in global tournaments. 

With Rohit Sharma dismissed early, Dhawan and Virat Kohli took control, building a solid partnership that set the foundation for India’s innings. The pair added 127 runs together, with Dhawan contributing a significant chunk, including 53 runs in just seven overs.

 He tore into a formidable South African bowling attack featuring Dale Steyn, Vernon Philander, and Morne Morkel, and smashed 16 boundaries and two sixes. 

187 Vs Australia, 2013

Shikhar Dhawan’s blistering knock on his test debut (x)

Shikhar Dhawan announced his arrival in Test cricket in spectacular fashion with a dream debut that few could match. 

Facing Australia in the third Test of the 2013 Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Mohali, Dhawan wasted no time and took the attack to the bowlers from the very beginning.

In a breathtaking display of aggressive yet elegant stroke play, Dhawan smashed the fastest century on Test debut, reaching the milestone in just 85 balls. 

Dhawan’s scintillating knock eventually ended at 187, just 13 runs shy of what would have been a remarkable double century. His innings was adorned with 33 fours and two sixes.