Indian Cricketer Shikhar Dhawan has called time on his career on Saturday. The left-handed batter took to social media and posted a heartfelt message where thanked the fans and his former teammates. Shikhar Dhawan last played a game for India during the Bangladesh tour in 2022 and was dropped owing to poor form.
Speaking to Hindustan Times, Shikhar Dhawan said, “It's not like it is a tough decision for me. I am not even emotional. I don't want to cry or something. But mostly it's gratitude and love. I have spent most of my life playing cricket and I feel I've reached a stage where I want to rest now – from international and domestic.”
Shikhar Dhawan has been one of the best batters for India in the ICC events. His last ever game in the ODI World Cup came against Australia in 2019. The match was played in the Oval as the men in blue went on to defeat the defending champions in a high-scoring game.
Also Check: WATCH: Shikhar Dhawan bids adieu to 14 years of his cricketing career with India
Shikhar Dhawan: Defying the odds in style
It was the second match of the ODI World Cup for India and it was against a strong Australian side. Little did the fans know that their favorite ‘Gabbar’ would be walking out to bat in an ICC event for the very last time.
When he was batting on 25, a ball from Pat Cummins got him on his thumb. Shikhar Dhawan was tended to but he showed real grit and determination as he kept on batting.
Shikhar Dhawan was able to score his half-century in the 18th over and then began to unleash carnage. The Australian bowlers were left looking clueless as they were carted to all parts of the Oval on a sunny day in June.
Despite the loss of Rohit Sharma for 57, Shikhar Dhawan kept going. He reached his century in the 33rd over, in what turned out to be his final ever ton in an ICC event. It was in England in 2013 that Shikhar Dhawan had begun his cricketing journey with such aplomb.
By the time he ended his innings, Shikar Dhawan had scored 117 runs from 109 balls with 16 fours. His innings ended when he tried to hit Mitchell Starc and only succeeded in giving Nathan Lyon an easy catch. His innings in the ICC tournament had ended the same it had started. Shikhar Dhawan began with gusto and ended his journey with bravado.
/sportsinfo/media/member_avatars/image 59.png)
Follow Us/sportsinfo/media/media_files/upJbVG3VKuY5jha9xX7E.jpg)