On Saturday, Shikhar Dhawan, the renowned Indian opening batsman, announced his retirement from both international and domestic cricket. At 38 years old, Dhawan reflected on his journey with a sense of fulfillment, stating that his sole dream was to represent India—a dream he proudly accomplished.
In a heartfelt video message, Dhawan expressed his gratitude to everyone who supported him throughout his career. “I only had one dream, and that was to play for India,” he said, visibly emotional. “I achieved that dream, and it’s been an incredible journey.”
Dhawan took a moment to thank his family, his childhood coach, and his teammates. He spoke of the deep bonds formed and the sense of belonging he felt within the team. “I’ve gained another family, and I’ve experienced the love and admiration of fans,” he added.
He likened his decision to retire to turning a page in a book, saying, “There is a saying that you need to turn the page to read the full story. That’s what I’m doing now.” With a peaceful heart, he acknowledged the end of his cricket journey and expressed contentment in having played for his country.
Dhawan’s cricketing career began in 2010 against Australia in Visakhapatnam. Over the years, he amassed over 10,000 runs in international cricket, including 24 centuries—17 in one-day internationals and seven in Tests. His remarkable performance in the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy, where he was the tournament’s leading run-scorer with 363 runs in five matches, remains a highlight of his career.
As Dhawan steps away from the game, he leaves behind a legacy of passion and dedication, cherished by fans and respected by his peers.
