On 24 August 2024, a significant event took place on the Indian cricket field when opener Shikhar Dhawan bid adieu to his international and domestic career. Dhawan, who achieved many feats in his career, holds an important place in the history of Indian cricket.
Dhawan’s departure also marks the end of an era in Indian cricket when he played alongside three of the best ODI batsmen in Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. These three batsmen along with each other from the beginning of the innings to the middle order, remained a big challenge for the opposition teams. Their pair did many important run-chases and led India to victory in many matches.
“I scored 100 centuries in 5 years,” Dhawan said on HT
Speaking exclusively to Hindustan Times at this crucial juncture of his career, Dhawan thanked the coaches and support staff who played a key role in his cricketing career.
“Many coaches have played a role in my career. Rahul Dravid, Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli, Virender Sehwag, Yuvraj Singh, Suresh Raina, Ravindra Jadeja, R Ashwin, Ishant Sharma, Ajinkya Rahane, Ashok Dinda, Bhuvneshwar Kumar. Then all the fielding coaches, batting coaches. I am thankful to everyone who worked for me.”
“We were part of a beautiful journey. I remember well that Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and I had scored 100 centuries in 5 years. Ravi bhai was our coach at that time. Even the NCA has played a huge role, understanding how to train and rehab whenever I got injured. And a big thank you to the BCCI.”
He also recalled how along with Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, he scored 100 centuries within five years. “We had a great journey and Ravi Shastri was our coach during that time. NCA and BCCI were also very supportive during my injuries.”
Shikhar Dhawan’s cricket journey
Dhawan has scored 6793 runs in 167 ODIs at an average of 44.11 and strike rate of 91.35. His international career is known for scoring 24 centuries and playing a key role in India’s title triumph in the ICC Champions Trophy 2013. Dhawan was the highest run-scorer in the tournament.
Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma opened the innings for the first time under Indian captain MS Dhoni during the 2013 Champions Trophy. Thereafter, the duo led India to several successes as a strong opening pair. Virat Kohli’s batting at No. 3 strengthened India’s top order and the duo remained the pivot of Indian cricket for years.
The trio of Shikhar Dhawan, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli gave a new standard to Indian cricket. Between June 2013 and June 2019, these three scored 103 centuries in all formats of the game. Virat Kohli scored 49 centuries, Rohit Sharma 30 and Shikhar Dhawan 23.
With Dhawan’s retirement, another era of Indian cricket has come to an end. His achievements and contributions will always be remembered and he will remain an important part of Indian cricket.
