It was announced that India's prolific opener Shikhar Dhawan would be retiring from international and domestic cricket. Former players paid tributes—plenty—to the veteran batter for his great career.
The left-handed batsman officially declared his retirement from the game of cricket via social media; this had been a prolific career where he compiled 24 centuries—17 in ODIs and seven in Tests—in aggregate in 269 international matches. His last competitive appearance came in April this year during the Indian Premier League for Punjab Kings.
Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya took to his Instagram story and wished Dhawan. "Only the best for you Shiki paa. Congratulations on a wonderful career," wrote Pandya.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India too joined in with its tribute to Dhawan's strong performances over the years when BCCI said, "As Shikhar Dhawan retires from International and Domestic cricket, we wish him all the very best for the road ahead," an update on X read.
India head coach Gautam Gambhir wished him, saying Dhawan would continue to bring joy in his future endeavours. "Congratulations Shiki on a fantastic career! I know you will spread the same joy through everything you take up in the future! @SDhawan25," Gambhir posted on X.
Virender Sehwag, former India opener, congratulated Dhawan for his "top performances" ever since he took over Sehwag's mantle of opening for India. "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," Sehwag posted.
Punjab Kings shared a small package of Dhawan's achievements, running down memory lane of the runs, trophies, and unforgettable moments, while exclaiming excitedly on what is to come: "Runs, trophies and countless memories! Happy retirement, Gabbar! Can't wait to see you thigh-five your way into the next innings of life!" the franchise shared on X.
Wasim Jaffer, the former India cricketer, posted about Dhawan's inclination towards doing well in big tournaments and admired his team-first mentality. "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 the team was winning. A team man through and through. Congratulations on a stellar career and all the best for your second innings," wrote Jaffer on X.
Dhawan's 13-year career for India included 34 Tests, 167 ODIs, and 68 T20Is, during which he scored 2315, 6793, and 1579 runs respectively in the three formats.
His last appearance for India was an ODI against Bangladesh in Chattogram in December 2022; his final T20I was against Sri Lanka in July 2021. Dhawan had not featured in a Test match for India since 2018.
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