Tributes pour in after Shikhar Dhawan announces retirement
Former opener Shikhar Dhawan featured across for India in all the three formats from 2010-2022.
Dhawan was a prolific batter for the Men in Blue in the previous decade, scoring over 10,000 runs, and forming a solid opening partnership with Rohit Sharma in the limited overs format.
Though he had last featured for India in 2022, Dhawan continued to be a favourite among the fans, and his ex-teammates.
His contributions were recalled by those who played with him, with India head coach Gautam Gambhir congratulating him on a splendid career.
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
India star batter Virat Kohli had countless cherished memories of playing with Dhawan.
Shikhar @SDhawan25 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…
— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) August 25, 2024
Fellow India cricketer Mohammed Shami called Dhawan a true inspiration on and off the field.
An incredible journey comes to a close. Shikhar Dhawan, you've been a true inspiration on and off the field. You will always be the the true "GABBAR" of indian cricket. Best wishes for your new innings! #ShikharDhawan #CricketLegend #Retirement #Gabbar" pic.twitter.com/ofdMig8Ij7
— 𝕸𝖔𝖍𝖆𝖒𝖒𝖆𝖉 𝖘𝖍𝖆𝖒𝖎 (@MdShami11) August 24, 2024
Former India opener Virender Sehwag, who like Gambhir and Dhawan opened for the state of Delhi in domestic cricket and Indian Premier League (IPL), wished Dhawan the best, while also adding that he gave his best whenever he was on the field.
Tributes came from several figures related to Indian cricket, who commended Dhawan’s positive outlook while playing the game.
Many congratulations Shikhar on a fantastic career.
— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) August 24, 2024
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