Shikhar Dhawan, often celebrated as ‘Mr. ICC’ for his exceptional performances in global tournaments, concluded his illustrious One Day International career for India in August 2024. His retirement marked the end of a remarkable journey for one of India’s most prolific opening batsmen.
Dhawan’s knack for elevating his game on the biggest stages was undeniable. He was the leading run-scorer and player of the tournament when India clinched the Champions Trophy in 2013, and he continued to top the batting charts in the 2015 ODI World Cup and the 2017 Champions Trophy. Across ICC competitions, he boasted an impressive average of 65.
In his 167 ODIs, Dhawan accumulated 6793 runs at an average of 44.11, featuring 17 centuries and 39 half-centuries. His final international appearance came during India’s tour of Bangladesh in 2022, where he managed a mere 18 runs across three innings. It was during this tour that a pivotal moment unfolded, signaling the twilight of his career.
Ishan Kishan, then a 24-year-old, etched his name in history by smashing a record-breaking ODI double-century, becoming only the fourth Indian to achieve this feat. Dhawan, witnessing his younger teammate’s explosive innings of 210 off 131 balls, laced with 24 fours and 10 sixes, recognized that his time in the Indian team was drawing to a close.
Shikhar Dhawan reflected on this moment, stating, “I was scoring lots of 50s, I didn’t score a 100 but I scored lots of 70s. When Ishan Kishan scored that 200, my instinct told me, alright boy, this can be the end of your career. An inner voice came to me. And that’s what happened. Then I remember my friends came over to you know, give me that emotional support. They thought that I would be very down. But I was chilling, I was enjoying.”
In that particular match against Bangladesh, Dhawan scored 3 runs as India secured a commanding 227-run victory, which would ultimately be his last appearance in the blue of India.
