Introduction: Shikhar Dhawan’s Cricket Legacy
In a heartfelt announcement on Saturday, Dhawan bid farewell to international cricket after an illustrious career spanning over a decade. As he steps away from the game,
Dhawan reflects on a period of extraordinary success, particularly highlighting his five-year journey with Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma,
during which the trio amassed an impressive 100 centuries together. Let’s take a closer look at Dhawan’s remarkable career and his unforgettable contributions to cricket.
A Century of Centuries: The Dynamic Trio
Between June 2013 and June 2019, Dhawan, Virat Kohli, and Rohit Sharma formed one of the most formidable batting partnerships in cricket history.
This trio collectively scored 102 centuries across all formats, making a significant impact on Indian cricket.
Dhawan alone contributed 23 of these centuries, Kohli amassed 49, and Sharma hit 30.
Dhawan’s Milestones: A Journey of Triumph and Challenges
Shikhar Dhawan’s cricketing journey is marked by several milestones and challenges.
He made his ODI debut against Australia in October 2010 but faced early setbacks,
including a duck on his debut and subsequent drops from the team. Despite these hurdles, Dhawan made a strong comeback, becoming a crucial player for India.
In 2011, Dhawan’s performances in the Caribbean were inconsistent, leading to another period of exclusion. However,
his career took a turn for the better with his remarkable debut in the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy, where he made a significant impact with his bat.
Injuries and Setbacks: The Roadblocks
Dhawan’s career wasn’t without its share of obstacles. Injuries, particularly a left thumb injury during the 2019 World Cup, and several periods of exclusion from the team, impacted his career.
Despite these setbacks, Dhawan’s resilience and determination shone through.
Statistical Highlights: A Glimpse into Dhawan’s Career
Dhawan’s career statistics are a testament to his skill and consistency. In Test cricket, he played 34 matches, scoring 2,315 runs at an average of 40.61.
His white-ball performances were even more impressive, with 167 ODIs and 68 T20Is, where he scored 6,793 and 1,759 runs, respectively.
Dhawan’s ODI record includes 17 centuries and 39 fifties, while in T20Is, he has five half-centuries.
The Peak of His Career: 2013 and Beyond
2013 was a landmark year for Dhawan, as he scored 1,162 runs in 26 ODIs at an average of 50.52, including his sensational performance in the Champions Trophy.
His partnership with Rohit Sharma became one of the most successful opening combinations in ODI history, second only to Sachin Tendulkar and Sourav Ganguly.
Leadership and Captaincy Stints
Throughout his career, Dhawan also had stints as a captain, leading India’s second-string teams during periods when regular players were unavailable.
His leadership abilities added another dimension to his cricketing resume.
Dhawan in the IPL: A Consistent Performer
In the Indian Premier League (IPL), Dhawan played for various teams including Delhi Capitals,
Mumbai Indians, Deccan Chargers, Sunrisers Hyderabad, and Punjab Kings.
With 6,769 runs in 222 matches at a strike rate of 127.14, Dhawan is the second-highest run-getter in IPL history, just behind Virat Kohli.
Domestic and International Achievements
Dhawan’s early domestic success included a Ranji Trophy title with Delhi and being the top run-scorer at the Under-19 World Cup in 2004.
These achievements laid the foundation for his international career and highlighted his potential as a future cricket star.
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Conclusion: Reflecting on a Stellar Career
As Dhawan steps away from international and domestic cricket, his career stands as a testament to dedication, resilience, and remarkable talent.
From his impactful partnerships to his leadership roles, Dhawan’s contributions to cricket will be remembered and celebrated.
His journey from a promising debutant to a seasoned international player underscores the essence of perseverance and passion for the game.
