Shikhar Dhawan, born on December 5, 1985, in Delhi, India, is a renowned former cricketer celebrated for his left-handed batting dominance.
He grew up in a Punjabi family and showcased his cricketing talent from a young age, laying the foundation for a remarkable career.
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Early Career
Dhawan’s cricket journey began at St. Mark’s Senior Secondary Public School and continued at the Sonnet Club under coach Tarak Sinha. Initially a wicket-keeper, he transitioned to an opening batter, a decision that would shape his future. His early performances in the Vijay Merchant Trophy during the 1999/00 and 2000/01 seasons highlighted his potential, making him the leading run-scorer for Delhi’s Under-16 team.
His standout moment came in the 2004 ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup, where he scored 505 runs, including three centuries, earning him the Player of the Tournament award. His rise in cricket began with this accomplishment.
Domestic Career
Dhawan made his first-class debut for Delhi in the Ranji Trophy during the 2004-05 season, quickly establishing himself as a key player. He finished that season as Delhi’s leading run-scorer with 461 runs. His consistent performances in domestic tournaments, including the Ranji One-Day Trophy and the Duleep Trophy, solidified his reputation as a reliable top-order batter.
Over the years, Dhawan became a mainstay in Delhi’s batting lineup, regularly scoring centuries and contributing significantly to the team’s success.
One Day International (ODI) Career
Dhawan’s ODI career commenced on October 20, 2010, against Australia. Although his debut was brief, he soon became an integral part of the Indian ODI team. His breakthrough came during the ICC Champions Trophy 2013, where he was the leading run-scorer with 363 runs, earning both the Golden Bat and Player of the Tournament titles as India lifted the trophy.
He continued to excel in ODIs, becoming India’s leading run-scorer in the 2015 ICC World Cup with 412 runs. Dhawan’s consistency is reflected in his impressive tally of over 6,000 runs and 17 centuries in ODIs, including a remarkable century in his 100th ODI match.
Test Career
Dhawan made his Test debut on March 14, 2013, against Australia, making an immediate impact with a score of 187 runs, which included the fastest century on debut by an Indian.
Despite some fluctuations in form, he had notable performances, including back-to-back centuries against Sri Lanka and a historic century before lunch on the first day of a Test against Afghanistan in 2018.
T20 International (T20I) Career
Dhawan’s T20I debut came on June 4, 2011, against the West Indies. Known for his aggressive batting style, he played several impactful innings, finishing as the highest run-scorer in T20Is in 2018 with 689 runs. His consistency earned him a spot in the ICC’s T20I Team of the Year that year.
Indian Premier League (IPL) Career
Dhawan’s IPL journey began in 2008, when he became one of the league’s most consistent performers. He played for various franchises, including Delhi Daredevils(now Delhi Capitals), Sunrisers Hyderabad, and Punjab Kings. Notably, he became the first player in IPL history to score back-to-back centuries in the 2020 season and crossed the 5,000-run mark in the league.
In 2022, he was signed by Punjab Kings for ₹8.25 crores and was appointed captain for the 2023 season.
Retirement
On August 24, 2024, Dhawan announced his retirement from all forms of cricket, concluding a stellar career that left an indelible mark on Indian cricket. His contributions to the game, both as a player and a mentor, will be remembered for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: When did Shikhar Dhawan make his international debut?
A1: On October 20, 2010, Shikhar Dhawan played his first One Day International (ODI) match against Australia.
Q2: What are some of Shikhar Dhawan’s notable achievements in ODIs?
A2: Dhawan was the leading run-scorer in the ICC Champions Trophy 2013 and scored 412 runs in the 2015 ICC World Cup.
Q3: When did Shikhar Dhawan Retired ?
A3: Shikhar Dhawan retired from cricket on August 24, 2024.
Q4: What teams did Shikhar Dhawan play for in the IPL?
A4: Dhawan played for various franchises, including Delhi Daredevils, Sunrisers Hyderabad, Delhi Capitals, and Punjab Kings.
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