India’s left-handed opening batter Shikhar Dhawan on Saturday, announced to hang up his boots from international and domestic cricket, bringing curtains down on an illustrious 14-year career.
Dhawan announced his retirement via a video message shared on all media platforms with the caption, “As I close this chapter of my cricketing journey, I carry with me countless memories and gratitude. Thank you for the love and support.”
The 38-year-old thanked his family, friends, coaches and teammates for their unwavering support throughout his professional career.
“I always had one goal in mind that was to play for India and I achieved it thanks to a lot of people. First of all my family, my childhood coach Tarak Sinha and Madan Sharma, under their guidance, I learnt cricket. Then my entire team with whom I played for years, got another family, fame and everyone’s love and support,” said Dhawan in the video message.
“As it’s said that to move ahead in the story you need to flip over the pages. Hence, I’m also doing that, I’m announcing my retirement from international and domestic cricket, he added.
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Shikhar Dhawan expressed with the amount of cricket he played for India but admitted that he would need to console himself due to the fact that he would not represent his country again.
“And now when I’m bidding adieu to my cricketing journey, I have the satisfaction that I played a lot for my country. I’m really thankful to the BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) and DDCA (Delhi & District Cricket Association) for giving me this opportunity and all of my fans for their love and support.
“I just say this to myself that don’t be sad that you won’t play for your country again but always be happy that you played for your country. And it’s the biggest achievement for me that I played.”
Shikhar Dhawan, who made his international debut in 2010, went on to represent India in 34 Tests, 167 ODIs and 68 T20Is, accumulating 10,867 across formats with the help of 24 centuries and 44 fifties.
He played a pivotal role in leading India to ICC Champions Trophy 2013 glory as he was the leading run-scorer of the tournament. He was also adjudged the Player of the Tournament.
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