In a heartfelt tribute, former Indian cricket team head coach and director Ravi Shastri expressed deep admiration for Shikhar Dhawan’s remarkable cricketing career. Taking to Twitter, Shastri shared his reflections on Dhawan’s contributions to the sport, highlighting their shared experiences and celebrating the cricketer’s impactful journey.
“Enjoy your retirement, Shiki Boy! You brought me so much joy and entertainment during my 7 years as coach and director,” Shastri tweeted. “Your match-winning innings in ICC tournaments, Asia Cups, and that unforgettable knock in Galle will always be remembered. You’re still young and have plenty of ways to contribute to the sport. God bless.”
Shastri’s tribute underscored some of Dhawan’s most memorable performances, including his decisive innings in ICC tournaments, Asia Cups, and an iconic knock in Galle. These moments, Shastri noted, will forever be cherished by cricket fans and the Indian cricket fraternity alike.
Despite Dhawan’s retirement from international and domestic cricket, Shastri emphasized the player’s enduring potential to continue influencing the sport, hinting at the many ways Dhawan can still contribute off the field.
Dhawan’s retirement marks the end of a significant chapter in Indian cricket, and Shastri’s words reflect the deep respect and affection he holds for Dhawan’s legacy.
Throughout his illustrious career, Dhawan’s bat delivered runs with ease. While he represented India across all formats, his true forte was ODIs. In 167 ODI appearances, the left-handed opener amassed 6,793 runs at an average of 44.1, including 17 centuries and 39 fifties.
In Test cricket, Dhawan partnered memorably with Murali Vijay, scoring 2,315 runs in 34 matches at an average of 40.6, with seven centuries and five half-centuries. In T20Is, he made 68 appearances, scoring 1,759 runs at an average of 27.9, including 11 fifties.
Dhawan’s domestic career was equally impressive. He played 122 first-class matches, scoring 8,499 runs at an average of 44.26, with 25 centuries and 29 fifties. In List A cricket, he scored a staggering 12,074 runs in 302 matches at an average of 43.90, including 30 centuries and 67 fifties.
Dhawan also left an indelible mark on the Indian Premier League (IPL), where he is the second-highest run-scorer of all time. In 222 matches, he scored 6,769 runs at an average of 35.25, with two centuries and 51 fifties.
His career highlights include securing the ICC Champions Trophy with India in 2013 and an IPL title with Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in 2016. As Shikhar Dhawan steps away from the game, he leaves behind a legacy of excellence, sportsmanship, and unforgettable memories that will be celebrated for years to come.
