Team India Stars React: Gambhir Speaks on Dhawan’s Retirement, Pandya and Iyer Send Touching Wishes
Shikhar Dhawan, an experienced opener for India, concluded a chapter in his career on Saturday by declaring his retirement from all cricket formats. He made his debut for his country in 2010. Dhawan announced his retirement via a video on social media site X, reflecting on his experience two years after his final appearance in national colours.
I’m grateful and full of memories as I conclude this chapter of my cricket adventure. I appreciate all of your kindness and help. “Jai Hind!” He stated as much. Dhawan played 34 Tests, 167 ODIs, and 68 T20Is during his three-format career.
The Indian cricket community gave the 38-year-old batsman a heartfelt sendoff as he announced the end of his career. Gautam Gambhir, the head coach of Team India, congratulated Dhawan on the dressing room. Gambhir and Dhawan shared the dressing room for both domestic and international games.
“Congratulations Shiki on a fantastic career! I know you will spread the same joy through everything you take up in the future! @SDhawan25,” Gambhir wrote.
Dhawan’s illustrious career came to an end in an ODI series against Bangladesh in 2022, which was also his last international match. In the 50-over format, he was a mainstay, amassing 6,793 runs at an average of 44.11, including 17 hundreds and 39 fifties.
As Dhawan ended a spectacular career, Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya and batter Shreyas Iyer also posted best wishes on Instagram. “Only the best for you, Shikhi paa,” wrote Hardik. Greetings on a fantastic career.
Meanwhile, Iyer wrote, “Congratulations @shikhardofficial paa,” in a tale that he shared on his official Instagram site. Best wishes for your future endeavors.
He has struggled with form in recent years, and up-and-coming players like Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal have given him competition. Even after Dhawan was dropped from the Indian team, he kept playing in the IPL, most recently for the Punjab Kings in the 2024 season.
Wasim Jaffer, a fellow former Indian opener, also took to his official X profile to wish Dhawan. “A man for the big tournaments. Never got the plaudits he deserved but knowing him he didn’t care who got the applause as long as team was winning. A team man through and through. Congratulations on a stellar career and all the best for your second innings @SDhawan25,” wrote Jaffer.
In his retirement announcement, Dhawan took a look back at his career, saying, “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.”
After starting his career with a two-ball duck in 2010, Dhawan quickly established himself as an opener in the Indian XI, especially when the team was playing white-ball cricket. A golden era in Indian cricket history was his opening-spot partnership with Rohit Sharma.
Dhawan’s gratitude extended to the Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA), the BCCI, and his fans. “I am very thankful to DDCA, 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 concluded.
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