India's outstanding opener Shikhar Dhawan has announced his retirement from both international and domestic cricket
New Delhi, India, August 24: India's veteran opener, Shikhar Dhawan, announced his retirement from international and domestic cricket on Saturday. The 38-year-old cricketer shared the news in an emotional message posted on Instagram, expressing gratitude to those who supported him throughout his remarkable career.
Reflecting on his journey, Dhawan said, "I am standing at a point where when I look back, I only see memories and a new life when I look forward. It was always my dream to play for India, and I got to live it. I am thankful to a lot of people for that. First of all, my family, my childhood coaches, and then my team that I played with for so many years. I got a new family, fame, and love. But it is said that to move forward, you need to flip the pages."
He continued, "I am announcing my retirement from international and domestic cricket. As I bid farewell to my cricketing journey, I have peace in my heart. I played a lot for my country. I only say this to myself, that you don't need to be upset about not playing for your country again, but be happy that you had the opportunity to do so."
Throughout his illustrious career, Dhawan was known for his effortless ability to score runs. While he represented India across all formats, ODIs were his specialty.
In 167 ODI appearances, the left-handed batsman amassed 6,793 runs at an average of 44.1, including 17 centuries and 39 half-centuries.
In Test cricket, Dhawan formed memorable partnerships, particularly with Murali Vijay, and scored 2,315 runs in 34 matches at an average of 40.6. His Test career included seven centuries and five half-centuries.
In T20Is, Dhawan made 68 appearances, scoring 1,759 runs at an average of 27.9, with 11 half-centuries.
On the domestic front, Dhawan played 122 First-Class matches, scoring 8,499 runs at an average of 44.26, with 25 centuries and 29 half-centuries.
In List A cricket, he played 302 matches and scored an impressive 12,074 runs at an average of 43.90, including 30 centuries and 67 half-centuries.