Shikhar Dhawan, the dashing left-handed opener, the "Gabbar" of Team India, has decided to hang up his boots from international cricket. The news has come as a shock to many fans, who have been mesmerized by his fearless batting and infectious energy on the field.
Dhawan has been a key member of the Indian team for over a decade, having made his debut in 2010. Over the years, he has established himself as a reliable opener, known for his aggressive style of play and ability to score runs quickly.
Some of Dhawan's most memorable innings include his century against Australia in the 2015 Cricket World Cup semi-final, his match-winning knock against Pakistan in the 2017 Champions Trophy final, and his record-breaking 187 against South Africa in the 2018 series.
While Dhawan has been a consistent performer in ODIs and T20Is, he has not been able to replicate the same success in Test cricket. Despite being given several opportunities, he has failed to cement his place in the Test team.
With the emergence of young openers like Shubman Gill and Ishan Kishan, it was becoming increasingly difficult for Dhawan to break into the Indian Test team. Realizing this, Dhawan has decided to step down from the longer format.
However, Dhawan will continue to play in the IPL and other T20 leagues around the world. He is still a valuable asset to any team, thanks to his experience and ability to score quick runs.
Dhawan's retirement from international cricket is a sad day for Indian cricket. He has been a wonderful servant of the game and has brought joy to millions of fans. We wish him all the best for the future.
Here are some of the reactions to Shikhar Dhawan's retirement from international cricket: