‘Man for big tournaments’ - Cricketers congratulate Shikhar Dhawan for stellar career

Shikhar Dhawan announced his retirement from international and domestic cricket on Saturday, August 24. The southpaw featured for Punjab Kings in IPL 2024 but a shoulder injury ruled him out of the tournament. He started well and scored 152 runs in five matches, including a half-century against Lucknow Super Giants, but could never come back. Three months after the completion of the tournament, Dhawan announced his retirement.

The southpaw took to social media to announce his decision. He stated to be at peace with the decision but at times, the cricketer tries to convince himself not to feel sad that he will not be playing for India again. Notably, the 38-year-old represented the national team in 269 international matches and scored 10,867 runs, which includes 24 centuries. 

“It's important to turn the page to move forward in life and that's why I am announcing my retirement from international and domestic cricket. I am leaving with peace in my heart that I played for so long for India. I tell myself not to feel sad that you will not play for India anymore, but to feel happy that you played for your country,” Dhawan said in a video message.

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After his retirement announcement, many of his teammates and former cricketers congratulated Dhawan for his stellar career. Wasim Jaffer reminded his contribution to ICC tournaments and added that the Delhi-born cricketer never got the plaudits he deserves. Dhawan scored 412 runs in eight matches in the 2015 ODI World Cup and hit 125 runs in two matches before being ruled out due to injury in the 2019 edition of the tournament.

He also played a key part in helping India win the Champions Trophy in 2013. He smashed 363 runs in five matches in the tournament and finished as the leading run-scorer. Apart from being an incredible batter, Dhawan also was a terrific fielder and an entertainer, for which he has gained plenty of praise on social media.

Here's how the cricketing fraternity reacted:

Your journey has been amazing to watch Gabbar and as you begin this new chapter in your life, I wish you all the success and happiness you deserve champ. Happy retirement @SDhawan25 🏏🤍#ShikarDhawan #Gabbar pic.twitter.com/RMTw7g6DKn

— Chetan Sharma (@chetans1987) August 24, 2024

Congratulations for ur wonderful cricket journey paaji ❤️👏👏

— Rahul Sharma (@ImRahulSharma3) August 24, 2024

Badhaai ho Shikkhi. Ever since the time you replaced me in Mohali, you didn’t look back and some top performances over the years. May you continue to have fun and live life to the fullest. Very best wishes always. https://t.co/jHvfLAhp14

— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) August 24, 2024

Congratulations Shiki on a fantastic career! I know you will spread the same joy through everything you take up in the future! @SDhawan25 pic.twitter.com/yE3mQjKXj5

— Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) August 24, 2024

Congrats @SDhawan25 on an fantastic career. Hope your second innings is as Dabangful and Dhawanful as your first. Your impact on this game has been fantastic and i will cherish all the fun moments you gave us with your presence. Go well Jatt Ji. #retirement pic.twitter.com/82iqWr4Gw0

— Unmukt Chand (@UnmuktChand9) August 24, 2024

Congratulations @SDhawan25, on a remarkable career filled with countless milestones! 🏏 It was an absolute pleasure sharing the dressing room with you, brother. Wishing you all the best for your future endeavors. Onwards and upwards! 🙌 #legend https://t.co/0WfLs18cWa

— Suresh Raina🇮🇳 (@ImRaina) August 24, 2024

Many congratulations Shikhar on a fantastic career.
The thing I loved about Shikhar apart from the fact that he was a fabulous cricketer, was the person that he was, always amicable and looking at the positives in every situation. Wish you all the best @SDhawan25 in the journey… https://t.co/MHlfDpSdsv

— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) August 24, 2024

Your hard work and passion for the sport has been exemplary, Shikhar.
Congrats on a wonderful career.
Wishing you an even better second innings. I’m sure you’ll keep entertaining your fans for years to come 🙌 https://t.co/yVyhrEdnNq

— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) August 24, 2024

Have always admired Shikhar Dhawan. Played with an endearing smile through his impressive successful international career. A guy who punched well above his weight. Made the most, & more, with what he had. Hats off! 🙇🙇#ShikharRetires

— Sanjay Manjrekar (@sanjaymanjrekar) August 24, 2024

A man for the big tournaments. Never got the plaudits he deserved but knowing him he didn't care who got the applause as long as team was winning. A team man through and through. Congratulations on a stellar career and all the best for your second innings @SDhawan25 🤗 pic.twitter.com/Y4fMBbIIfR

— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) August 24, 2024