Shikhar Dhawan retirement: Top 5 knocks in international cricket by the former India opener

Shikhar Dhawan made his international debut for the Indian cricket team in 2010.

Shikhar Dhawan, who is also known as ‘Mr. ICC,’ announced his retirement from international and domestic cricket with immediate effect on August 24. The former Indian opener made this announcement via an emotional video on his social media.

Dhawan, who made his India debut in 2010, retires as one of only eight ODI batters with over 5000 runs at a 40-plus average and a 90-plus strike rate.

A career that spanned over 13 years for India saw Dhawan play 34 Tests, 167 ODIs, and 68 T20Is. The elegant left-handed batter scored 2315 runs at an average of 40.61 in tests. In ODIs, Dhawan amassed 6793 runs at a superb average of 44.61, including 17 centuries and 39 half-centuries. The southpaw scored 1759 runs in T20s.

The legendary Indian opener was the biggest run contributor to the success of the Indian team in lifting the ICC Champions Trophy in 2013 in England. He won the Player of the Tournament award for performing brilliantly in the showpiece event.

Let’s take a look at Shikhar Dhawan’s five best knocks in international cricket:

5. 114 vs South Africa, Cardiff, 2013

During the first group stage match against South Africa, Dhawan showcased his class and aggression by smashing 114 runs off 94 deliveries. The left-handed batter shared a 127-run opening partnership with Rohit Sharma.

Dhawan’s stunning 114-run knock helped India set a target of 332 runs. The Men in Blue bundled Proteas for 305 runs.

Dhawan was adjudged Player of the Match for his impressive century. This also marked the beginning of Dhawan’s glorious run in the ODI format for the national side.

4. 137 vs South Africa, Melbourne, 2015

The 38-year-old Dhawan showed why he is called the ‘Man for big tournaments’ by playing a match-winning innings in the ICC ODI World Cup 2015 match against South Africa at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Dhawan scored 137 runs off 146 balls, which included 16 boundaries and one six. His knock helped India score 307 runs. India bowled South Africa out for 177 runs and won the match comprehensively. Dhawan was adjudged with the Player of the Match Award for his terrific century.

3. 190 vs Sri Lanka, Galle, 2017

During the first match of the three-match series against Sri Lanka in July 2017 in Galle, Dhawan dismantled Lanka’s bowling line-up with his aggressive strokeplay.

The opener smashed 190 runs off 168 deliveries that included 31 boundaries. His knock helped India post 600 runs in the first innings. The main highlight of Dhawan’s innings was that he smashed more than 100 runs in the second session of the day.

India won the match by 304 runs. Dhawan was adjudged the Player of the Match for his brilliant innings. This is Dhawan’s highest score in test cricket.

2. 187 vs Australia, Mohali, 2013

Shikhar Dhawan marked his arrival in test cricket with a blazing knock against Australia in the 2012-13 series. During the third test in Mohali, Dhawan hammered a century on test debut. The left-handed batter took the skin off the Australian bowling attack with his breathtaking knock.

He recorded an 85-ball century, the fastest century on debut in test cricket. Dhawan smashed 187 runs off 174 deliveries, including 33 boundaries and two maximums.

Dhawan’s sizzling display helped India score 499 runs in their first innings in reply to Australia’s 409 runs. In the end, the host won the match by six wickets. Dhawan was adjudged Player of the Match on his test debut.

1. 117 runs vs Australia, The Oval, 2019

During the ICC ODI World Cup 2019, Dhawan stamped his legacy with a skilful and tenacious knock against Australia in the Oval.

Earlier in his innings, Dhawan was hit on his left hand, and his thumb was fractured by a short ball from Pat Cummins. The left-handed batter, though, continued his innings and scored a magnificent century while battling the pain in his thumb.

Dhawan first stitched a 127-run opening partnership with Rohit Sharma and then added 93 runs for the second wicket with Virat Kohli.

The Indian opener scored 117 runs, which helped Men in Blue post a challenging total of 353 runs. In the end, India won the match by 36 runs.

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