"Thank you Mr. ICC" Fans react as Shikhar Dhawan announces international and domestic retirement

Shikhar Dhawan is one of India’s most successful ODI openers of all time.

On August 24, 2024, 38-year-old Indian cricketer Shikhar Dhawan announced his retirement from international and domestic cricket, bringing a conclusion to an illustrious 13-year India career.

Dhawan made his ODI debut in 2010 but was dismissed for a duck. He made his first big splash in international cricket in 2013 when he smashed an 85-ball century on test debut against Australia in Mohali, which is the fastest test hundred by a debutant.

His career shot up soon as he helped India win the 2013 Champions Trophy by being the leading run-scorer of the tournament. Dhawan made giant strides in ODI cricket: he was India’s highest scorer in the Asia Cup 2014, World Cup 2015, Champions Trophy 2017 and Asia Cup 2018.

He hammered a century against Australia in the 2019 World Cup but suffered a thumb injury in the game and was ruled out of the tournament. From thereon, his career suffered a slide downward. He played his last ODI in 2022 before being replaced by Shubman Gill as Rohit Sharma’s opening partner.

Overall, Shikhar Dhawan played 34 Tests, 167 ODIs and 68 T20Is, scoring 2315, 6793 and 1579 runs respectively. The left-hander notched up 17 ODI centuries and seven test hundreds.

In the IPL, he turned up for Delhi Capitals, Mumbai Indians, Deccan Chargers, Sunrisers Hyderabad and Punjab Kings. He’s currently the second-highest run-scorer in the IPL history.

In the video he posted on social media, Shikhar Dhawan said, “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 coaches 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. 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.“

Fans hailed Dhawan for his iconic career and applauded his character on and off the field.

Here is how netizens reacted to Shikhar Dhawan’s retirement announcement:

#ShikharDhawan pic.twitter.com/ZWDO5TPHfe

— Raja Babu (@GaurangBhardwa1) August 24, 2024

He is selfless.He always has a smile.He made everyone happy.He is a diamond.He never complained about anything.Shikhar Dhawan – a legend on and off the field. 👏❤️ pic.twitter.com/0rOi5svzBE

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) August 24, 2024

HE CAME – HE CONQUERED – HE LEFT.– Thank you, Shikhar Dhawan, Jersey No. 42. 🥹❤️ pic.twitter.com/jxekHGUMJ4

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) August 24, 2024

In his glorious career and turbulent personal life, Shikhar Dhawan lost many things, except his smile.Happy retirement Gabbar!#ShikharDhawan pic.twitter.com/KwasvV8zW1

— Sagar (@sagarcasm) August 24, 2024

💔 WE'LL MISS YOU, GABBAR! Shikhar Dhawan announces his retirement from international and domestic cricket.📷 Getty • #ShikharDhawan #TeamIndia #BharatArmy pic.twitter.com/3Wrl33u7b7

— The Bharat Army (@thebharatarmy) August 24, 2024

The man who taught us to smile no matter what the situation. There will be no one like him. Happy retirement, Gabbar. #ShikharDhawan pic.twitter.com/xtRMajCzas

— R A T N I S H (@LoyalSachinFan) August 24, 2024

Happy Retirement Gabbar 🫡#ShikharDhawan pic.twitter.com/Ui0qVJz8x7

— Johns (@JohnyBravo183) August 24, 2024

Streets won't forget Shikhar Dhawan's contribution to Indian Cricket especially in ICC tournaments. Thank you, Gabbar. #ShikharDhawan pic.twitter.com/9BPCPGmNxS

— R A T N I S H (@LoyalSachinFan) August 24, 2024

Thank you MR ICC for countless memories pic.twitter.com/OOJjT7HiCu

— Cricket Picture that Goes Hard (@HardCricketpix) August 24, 2024

Thankyou Mr.ICC 🇮🇳.Deserved a proper farewell. https://t.co/733SzB1RTx pic.twitter.com/jI7iYDGUYG

— Ragav 𝕏 (@ragav_x) August 24, 2024

Thank You Mr. ICC ❤️For dominating ODI tournaments like no one else.❤️🥺Happy retirement pic.twitter.com/HGAQoofyvb

— Shivani (@meme_ki_diwani) August 24, 2024

Our very own Mr. ICC retires. Thank you for everything champ!

— ParteekNotPrateek (@randomcricfacts) August 24, 2024

Shikhar Dhawan is the only player to average 65+ in 50 overs ICC events (minimum 1,000 runs).– India will forever miss their Mr. ICC….!!! pic.twitter.com/rcset7rLVM

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) August 24, 2024

📁 My Childhood |__ 📁Beginning of the end of an Era |__ 1. ROSS TAYLOR |__ 2. DAVID WARNER |__ 3. SHIKHAR DHAWAN pic.twitter.com/W2Fk1AnSvg

— Shivani (@meme_ki_diwani) August 24, 2024

– Century in South Africa.– Century in England.– Century in New Zealand.– Century in Australia.SHIKHAR DHAWAN ⭐ THE ONLY INDIAN OPENER TO SCORE AN ODI CENTURY IN ALL SENA COUNTRIES. 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/zZrHiLy46K

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) August 24, 2024

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