Shikhar Dhawan retirement: Top five ODI innings of the legendary Indian opener

Shikhar Dhawan amassed 6793 runs in 167 ODIs he played for the Indian cricket team.

Indian opener Shikhar Dhawan finally pulled down the curtains on his India career and announced his retirement from international and domestic cricket with immediate effect on August 24. The left-handed batter had a glorious run in international cricket, especially in ODIs, spanning over 13 years.

In the 50-over format, Dhawan remained a strong pillar alongside Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli and the trio achieved some great records together. Dhawan made his ODI debut against Australia in Visakhapatnam in October 2010 and played his last outing was against Bangladesh in December 2022.

The southpaw represented India in 167 ODIs, in which he amassed 6793 runs at an impressive average of 44.11. The 38-year-old also smashed 17 centuries and 39 half-centuries in ODIs.

As Shikhar Dhawan’s career comes to an end, let’s take a look at some of his top knocks in ODI cricket.

5. 114 vs South Africa, Cardiff in 2013

Shikhar Dhawan announced himself in ODIs during the first group stage match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2013 against South Africa.

Against a solid Protea bowling attack, Dhawan whacked 114 runs off 94 balls, including 12 boundaries and one maximum. He stitched a crucial opening partnership of 127 runs with Rohit.

Dhawan’s knock helped India post 331/7 runs. India bundled South Africa for 305 runs. This also marked the beginning of the Rohit-Dhawan era in ODI cricket.

4. 100 vs Australia, Nagpur in 2013

The 38-year-old Dhawan showcased his aggressive batting during the sixth ODI of the seven-match series against Australia in October 2013. While chasing a huge target of 351 runs, Dhawan first stitched a crucial opening stand with Rohit Sharma of 178 runs.

The left-handed batter smashed a quick-fire century, racking up 100 runs in 102 balls with 11 boundaries. His fiery knock against the Aussies helped India clinch the match by six wickets and also level the series 2-2.

3. 114 vs Pakistan, Dubai in 2018

Dhawan showed no mercy against arch-rivals Pakistan in their Super Four encounter in the Asia Cup 2018 in Dubai.

While chasing 238 runs, the left-handed opener hammered 114 runs in 100 balls against a strong Pakistan bowling line-up. During his stay, Dhawan creamed 16 boundaries and two sixes, helping India chase down the target in just 39.3 overs.

He stitched a massive opening partnership of 210 runs with Rohit Sharma, who also smashed a brilliant century.

2. 137 vs South Africa, Melbourne in 2015

Dhawan is known as India’s Mr. ICC as he regularly stepped up in the ICC ODI events. The first of his memorable knocks in the World Cup was against South Africa at the iconic venue Melbourne Cricket Ground in the 2015 World Cup.

He played a vital 137-run knock off 146 deliveries that included 16 boundaries and two maximums. Dhawan’s knock helped India post 307 runs. While defending, the Indian bowlers bundled South Africa for just 177 and won the match by 130 runs. For his impressive century, Dhawan was adjudged the Player of the Match.

This is Dhawan’s second-highest ODI score.

1. 117 runs vs Australia, The Oval in 2019

The 38-year-old Dhawan brought his best against Australia. The Indian opener showed his class, skills and tenacity during the ICC ODI World Cup 2019 match at The Oval against the Aussies.

He stitched a 127-run stand with Rohit for the first wicket. After Rohit’s wicket, Dhawan added 93 runs for the second wicket with Kohli. Dhawan went on to score 117 runs in 109 balls, including 16 boundaries, which helped India post a daunting target of 353 runs.

The main highlight of this knock was that he was hit on his left hand early in his innings and his thumb was fractured. Despite that, Dhawan scored a stunning century while battling the pain.

While chasing, Australia were bowled out for 316 runs, and India won the match by 36 runs. Dhawan was adjudged Player of the Match for his century, however, his tournament ended with this game due to the thumb injury.

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