Indian opener Shikhar Dhawan, who also led the national team in several tournaments in the absence of a regular skipper, announced his retirement from international cricket on Saturday and said he is happy to represent his country for several years.
Dhawan posted a video on X to announce the end of a glorious chapter in Indian cricket.
He said: “I am standing at such a juncture in my career where I can only see memories when I look back and a new life awaits ahead for me.”
“I always wanted to play for India and it happened in my life,” he said.
Dhawan said he is thankful to his childhood coaches, family and teammates for his cricketing career which lasted for 14 years.
A flamboyant opener, who was part of the Champions Trophy squad which won the 2013 edition of the tournament under the leadership of former skipper MS Dhoni, said: “I am really feeling peace in my heart by thinking that I have played for a long period for the Indian team.”
“I am always telling my heart that you should not feel sad that you will not be playing for the country anymore but feel happy that you represented the nation for so long,” he said.
Dhawan led the Punjab Kings in the last edition of the Indian Premier League.
This was the last tournament played by the cricketer.
Dhawan has not played for India since the ODI series against Bangladesh in 2022.
Dhawan made his One Day International (ODI) debut against Australia in October 2010 at Visakhapatnam.
His Test debut came against the same opposition in March 2013 at Mohali, where he scored the fastest century by any batsman on Test debut and ended his innings with 187 runs from 174 balls.
In his career, Dhawan played 34 Tests, 167 ODIs and 68 T20Is for India.
Despite playing in all formats of the game, Dhawan gained popularity due to his striking performance in ODI where he amassed 6793 runs at an average of 44.11.
In his IPL career, Dhawan represented several teams like Delhi Capitals, Mumbai Indians, Deccan Chargers, Sunrisers Hyderabad and Punjab Kings.
In the last leg of his international career, Dhawan led the national team in several tournaments, representing a second string team, in the absence of other seniors.
