Following the announcement of Shikhar Dhawan’s retirement from international and domestic cricket, several prominent figures in the cricketing world, including Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, shared heartfelt tributes on social media, celebrating Dhawan’s illustrious career.
On August 24, 2024, Shikhar Dhawan made a significant announcement regarding his retirement, which he shared via a video on social media.
Dhawan’s career spanned nearly 13 years, during which he became a key figure in Indian cricket, particularly noted for his contributions in One Day Internationals (ODIs) and T20 Internationals.
He played 34 Tests, 167 ODIs, and 68 T20Is, amassing a total of 10,867 runs, including 24 centuries and 79 half-centuries, marking him as one of India’s most dependable openers.
Tributes from Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma
The Indian cricket team’s current legends Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli shared heartfelt messages on their social media account.
Virat Kohli’s Message
Virat Kohli took to X (formerly Twitter) to express his gratitude and admiration for Dhawan. He described Dhawan as one of the most reliable openers in Indian cricket history, highlighting his passion for the game and his sportsmanship. Kohli’s message read:
“From your fearless debut to becoming one of India’s most dependable openers, you’ve given us countless memories to cherish. Your passion for the game, your sportsmanship and your trademark smile will be missed, but your legacy lives on. Thank you for the memories, unforgettable performances and always leading with your heart. Wishing you the best in your next innings, off the field Gabbar!”.
Rohit Sharma’s Tribute
Rohit Sharma, the current captain of the Indian cricket team, also shared his thoughts on Dhawan’s retirement. He reminisced about their time together, both on and off the field, stating:
“From sharing rooms to sharing lifetime memories on the field. You always made my job easier from the other end. THE ULTIMATE JATT”.
Rohit and Dhawan formed one of the most successful opening partnerships in ODI history, with a combined total of 5,148 runs, ranking them among the top pairs in the format.
Their chemistry was evident during significant tournaments, including the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy, where they played pivotal roles in India’s success.
Dhawan’s Legacy and Impact
Dhawan’s career is marked by numerous highlights, including being the Player of the Tournament in the 2013 Champions Trophy, where he scored 363 runs.
His contributions to the Indian team during major tournaments, such as the World Cup and Asia Cup, have solidified his status as a key player in India’s cricketing history.
Former coach Ravi Shastri also paid tribute, recalling the joy Dhawan brought during his tenure and expressing confidence in Dhawan’s future contributions to the sport, even beyond his playing days.
