Shikhar Dhawan, the prolific Indian cricketer known affectionately as ‘Gabbar’, has announced his retirement from both international and domestic cricket. Despite his recent absence from the Indian squad, Dhawan’s career is adorned with remarkable performances that have left an indelible mark on the history of Indian cricket. Here, we reflect on five of his most memorable innings that truly showcased his prowess.
1) Champions Trophy Heroics (2013)
The 2013 ICC Champions Trophy marked a pivotal moment in Dhawan’s career. MS Dhoni, the then captain of the Indian team, took a gamble by pairing Dhawan with Rohit Sharma as openers in the tournament opener against South Africa on 6 June 2013 in Cardiff. This gamble paid off spectacularly as the duo amassed 127 runs for the first wicket, laying the foundation for one of cricket’s most formidable opening partnerships.
Dhawan’s contribution was nothing short of masterful. He scored a breathtaking 114 runs off 94 balls, putting immense pressure on the South African bowlers right from the start. His innings not only set the tone for the match but also for the entire tournament, as India went on to lift the trophy.
2) Dream Test Debut (2013)
Dhawan made his Test debut in the third match of the 2013 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, replacing a struggling Virender Sehwag. What followed was an extraordinary display of batting that firmly established Dhawan as a force to be reckoned with in Test cricket.
Facing a formidable Australian bowling attack, the 27-year-old Dhawan smashed his way to a record-breaking century, reaching the milestone in just 85 balls—the fastest by any player on Test debut. His final score of 187, though just shy of a double century, was instrumental in India posting a commanding total of 499 runs. This debut performance was a clear indication of the brilliance that Dhawan would continue to bring to Indian cricket.
3) ODI World Cup Brilliance (2015)
Dhawan’s journey to the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup wasn’t without its challenges. Struggling with form in the lead-up to the tournament, particularly on Australian pitches, Dhawan seemed to turn a corner during the event. His standout performance came in a crucial group-stage match against South Africa, where he played a pivotal role in India’s victory.
In a commanding display of batting, Dhawan scored 137 runs off 146 balls, helping India set a formidable target of 307 runs. His performance laid the groundwork for a comprehensive 130-run victory, with the Indian bowlers bundling out South Africa for just 177 runs. This innings was a testament to Dhawan’s ability to rise to the occasion on the world stage.
4) Dominating Sri Lanka (2017)
During the first Test match of India’s 2017 tour of Sri Lanka in Galle, Dhawan once again proved his mettle. After the early dismissal of opener Abhinav Mukund, India found themselves in a precarious position. However, Dhawan, in partnership with Cheteshwar Pujara, steadied the ship and turned the tide in India’s favor.
Dhawan played an aggressive yet controlled innings, scoring 190 runs and forming a 253-run partnership with Pujara. His dominant performance ensured that India set a commanding first-innings total, paving the way for a comprehensive victory.
5) Battling Through Pain (2019)
One of Dhawan’s most courageous innings came during the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup, where he played against Australia with a fractured thumb. Despite the injury, Dhawan showcased his trademark resilience and determination.
Taking painkillers to manage the pain, Dhawan not only survived the fierce Australian bowling attack but thrived, scoring a remarkable 117 runs, with 92 of those coming after his thumb injury. His innings helped India post an imposing total of 352 runs, which proved too much for Australia to chase down. This performance highlighted Dhawan’s dedication to the game and his ability to perform under the most challenging circumstances.
Shikhar Dhawan’s retirement marks the end of an era for Indian cricket. From his explosive debut to his many match-winning performances, Dhawan has been a pillar of strength for the Indian team. His journey is a testament to his skill, dedication, and passion for the sport. As we bid farewell to ‘Gabbar’, his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of cricketers.
As we celebrate Shikhar Dhawan’s illustrious career, share your favorite Dhawan moment with us in the comments. Follow our page for more cricketing updates and tributes to the legends of the game.
