‘Ever Since You Replaced Me’, Virender Sehwag Shares Heartwarming Message For Shikhar Dhawan As IND Opener Announces Retirement
New Delhi: Team India’s star opener, Shikhar Dhawan announced his retirement from all forms of cricket on Saturday, August 24. Dhawan shared a video announcing his retirement, his team India stint began in 2010. In the initial phase of his career Dhawan didn’t make much appearance in the side, but he came into the limelight after his exceptional Test debut in 2013 against Australia.
Into the shoes of the legendary Virender Sehwag stepped Shikhar Dhawan, who responded by blazing 185 in his Test debut against Australia; he also reached the hundred mark in 85 balls with a flurry of boundaries. Though he has been fleetingly around in Test cricket, Dhawan firmly fitted into India’s white-ball teams.
He formed outstanding opening partnership with Rohit Sharma in the white-ball format and formed a brilliant batting trio with Virat Kohli at no.3. The three batters dominated the world cricket in the white-ball format of the game.
After his exit from the Indian team in 2012, Sehwag never made a comeback, but he has now shared a heartfelt message in response to Dhawan’s retirement. The former opener praised Dhawan for making the most of his opportunities, acknowledging how Dhawan seized the moment after replacing him in the Indian Test team.
Badhaai ho Shikkhi. Ever since the time you replaced me in Mohali, you didn’t look back and some top performances over the years. May you continue to have fun and live life to the fullest. Very best wishes always. https://t.co/jHvfLAhp14
— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) August 24, 2024
“Badhaai ho Shikkhi (Congratulations, Shikhar). Ever since the time you replaced me in Mohali, you didn’t look back and some top performances over the years. May you continue to have fun and live life to the fullest. Very best wishes always,” Sehwag wrote.
In his retirement announcement, Dhawan expressed the necessity to “turn the page” and transition from his cricketing career.
“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.”
“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.”