Indian cricket takes final goodbye to Shikhar Dhawan, otherwise affectionately called 'Gabbar,' as he announced his retirement from all formats of the game. This 38-year-old cricketer, whose life has been typified by tenacity, resourcefulness, and selflessness, decided to hang up his boots at his own behest.
Dhawan's career, at the international level, has had several bursts of brilliance; at its core is a spirit of altruism. Through the crests and troughs, Dhawan never stopped being the committed team man, beaming with a smile, graceful, and dignified. He was perennially a source of positivity even in times of personal and professional strife.
Sachin Tendulkar, who handed him his Test cap, had some encouraging words: "We know about your guts. Show us some." Dhawan did that throughout his career, striking a balance between personal ambition and the demands of his team.
Indeed, it was reflected in this excerpt from his retirement announcement: "And that's why I keep telling 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."
Dhawan's career did not have the best of starts as he was out to a two-ball duck in his first ODI against Australia. He soon proved his mettle. His Test debut was truly unforgettable—what with a brisk 185 against Australia at Mohali in just 85 balls. He had made the most of an early reprieve when the Australians opted not to appeal against a close call.
While Dhawan made a difference in every format, he really came good in One-Day Internationals, scoring 6793 runs at an average of 44.11, with 17 centuries and 39 fifties. In Tests, he scored 2315 runs at an average of 40.61, with seven centuries. Notable performances include his 137 against South Africa in the 2015 ODI World Cup and his 109-ball 117 in the 2019 World Cup against Australia.
Dhawan's contributions were not restricted to international cricket. He was an out-and-out performer in domestic cricket and first came into the limelight during the 2004 U-19 World Cup. Despite his prolonged lean patches, he remained a significant player in the Indian Premier League and on the domestic circuit.
Though not towering like some of his contemporaries, like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, Dhawan's legacy had the stamp of commitment to the game he loves and the pleasure he derived from it. As he steps away from the cricket pitch, his career is remembered for its grace, its resilience, and the stamp he has left on the game.
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