Cricket

Shikhar Dhawan's remarkable cricketing journey owes a significant debt to the astute judgment of two Mumbai stalwarts: Dilip Vengsarkar and Sandeep Patil. Their unwavering belief in Dhawan's talent paved the way for his meteoric rise in Indian cricket.In 2004, Vengsarkar, then chairman of the BCCI's Talent Research Development Wing, played a pivotal role in Dhawan's selection for the Under-19 World Cup. Despite Dhawan's initial omission due to poor performances in trial matches, Vengsarkar's insistence on his inclusion proved to be a masterstroke. Dhawan emerged as the tournament's highest run-getter, showcasing his exceptional talent.Years later, in 2013, Patil, as chief national selector, made the bold decision to select Dhawan for the third Test against Australia in Mohali. Replacing the legendary Virender Sehwag, Dhawan seized the opportunity with both hands, smashing a magnificent 187 on debut. His 85-ball century remains the fastest by any batter on Test debut.Patil's unwavering support for Dhawan, despite opposition from his fellow selectors, underscores his keen eye for talent. "Getting the right opportunity at the right time is extremely important," Patil said. "Shikhar had just returned from India A's South African tour after scoring a double century and a century there. He proved my decision right. He saved me!"Dhawan's success is a testament to the importance of mentors and selectors who recognize and nurture young talent. Vengsarkar and Patil's foresight and unwavering belief in Dhawan's abilities have played a significant role in shaping his illustrious career.

Shikhar Dhawan, the enigmatic southpaw batter, has bid farewell to international and domestic cricket, leaving an indelible mark on the cricketing world. His journey, spanning over a decade, has been a testament to his resilience, determination, and unwavering passion for the game.Dhawan's international debut in 2010 was a humble affair, dismissed for a duck against Australia. However, it was a mere blip in his illustrious career. In 2013, he announced his arrival on the global stage with a blistering 187 against the same opposition, earning him the moniker "Gabbar" and his signature "thigh celebration."Dhawan's true calling lay in limited-overs cricket. In 167 ODIs, he amassed 6,793 runs at an impressive average of 44.1, including 17 centuries and 39 fifties. His swashbuckling style and ability to score runs at a rapid pace made him a formidable force in the middle order.In the T20I format, Dhawan made 68 appearances, scoring 1,759 runs at an average of 27.9, including 11 fifties. His aggressive batting and quick reflexes made him a valuable asset in the shortest format of the game.Dhawan's leadership qualities were also evident, as he occasionally captained the Indian team in white-ball cricket. He led the team to victory in the 2018 Asia Cup, further cementing his legacy as a successful skipper.Despite facing setbacks and being dropped from the team in 2014, Dhawan's determination never wavered. He fought his way back into the side and became the fastest to reach 6000 runs in ODIs, achieving the feat in just 141 matches.Dhawan's contributions to Indian cricket extend beyond his batting prowess. He was crowned Player of the Tournament in the U-19 World Cup 2004, Champions Trophy 2013, and Asia Cup 2018, showcasing his all-round abilities.As Dhawan hangs up his boots, he leaves behind a legacy of excellence, resilience, and unwavering passion for the game. His impact on Indian cricket will be felt for years to come, inspiring generations of young cricketers to strive for greatness.

Shikhar Dhawan, the swashbuckling Indian opener, has announced his retirement from international cricket, bringing an end to a glittering career that spanned over a decade. Former Indian cricket team head coach and director Ravi Shastri paid a heartfelt tribute to Dhawan, expressing his gratitude and admiration for the cricketer's impactful career.Dhawan, fondly known as "Shiki Boy," made his international debut in 2010 and quickly established himself as a formidable force in the Indian batting lineup. Known for his aggressive style of play and ability to score runs at a rapid pace, Dhawan played a pivotal role in India's success in various ICC tournaments and Asia Cups.One of Dhawan's most memorable performances came in the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy, where he was the leading run-scorer and played a crucial role in India's triumph. He also played a key role in India's victory in the 2016 Asia Cup, scoring a match-winning century in the final against Bangladesh.In addition to his international exploits, Dhawan was also a prolific run-scorer in the Indian Premier League (IPL). He is the second-highest run-getter of all time in the IPL, with over 6,700 runs to his name. He won the IPL title with Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2016 and was a key member of the Delhi Capitals team that reached the final in 2020.Dhawan's retirement marks the end of an era in Indian cricket. He was a beloved figure among fans and teammates alike, known for his infectious enthusiasm and positive attitude. His contributions to Indian cricket will be remembered for years to come.

Virat Kohli Lauds Shikhar Dhawan's Legacy as India's Dependable OpenerFormer Indian skipper Virat Kohli has paid a heartfelt tribute to Shikhar Dhawan, who recently announced his retirement from all forms of cricket. Kohli hailed Dhawan as one of India's most dependable openers, whose passion, sportsmanship, and signature smile will be dearly missed.Dhawan, fondly known as 'Gabbar,' has had an illustrious career, amassing 10,867 runs in 34 Tests, 167 ODIs, and 68 T20Is. He is the 12th highest run-scorer for India in international cricket, with 24 centuries and 79 fifty-plus scores.Kohli highlighted Dhawan's fearless debut and his rise to becoming one of India's most reliable openers. He credited Dhawan for giving countless memories to cherish, both on and off the field."Your passion for the game, your sportsmanship, and your trademark smile will be missed, but your legacy lives on," Kohli wrote on social media.Dhawan's most notable achievement came in the 2013 Champions Trophy, where he was named the player of the tournament for scoring the most runs (363). Along with Kohli and Rohit Sharma, he formed an unmatched triumvirate in the international white-ball formats from 2013 to 2019.Kohli and Dhawan shared a deep bond, both on and off the field. They hail from the same region in West Delhi and came through the system at almost the same time. They were teammates for the Indian team for almost a decade.Kohli expressed his gratitude to Dhawan for all the memories and wished him luck in his future endeavors. "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!" he added.Shikhar Dhawan's retirement marks the end of an era for Indian cricket. His contributions to the team have been immense, and his legacy as a dependable opener will forever be etched in the annals of Indian cricket history.

Shikhar Dhawan, the former Indian cricketer, has been vocal about his longing for his son, Zoraver, after announcing his retirement from international cricket. Despite being granted visitation rights and video call access, Dhawan has been blocked from seeing his son for months.In a recent interview with Hindustan Times, Dhawan expressed his hope that Zoraver would learn about his cricket journey and remember him as a good human being. "I would like for Zoraver to remember me as a good human being who does good deeds and brings positivity to people around him," Dhawan said.Dhawan's divorce from his ex-wife, Aesha Mukherji, in October 2023, resulted in him losing custody of Zoraver. The court ruled that Zoraver would be allowed to meet Dhawan and his family during trips to India and Australia.However, Dhawan has revealed that he has been unable to see or contact Zoraver for months. In December 2023, he posted a heartfelt message on his birthday, expressing his sadness and acceptance of the situation. "I write messages to him every day, I don't know whether he is receiving those or not, whether he is reading them or not. I don't have any expectations. I have accepted it. I am a father and I am trying to do my duty. I miss him, I feel sad but I have learnt to live with it," he said.Dhawan's longing for his son was also evident during the IPL 2024 season. He posted a photo on Instagram of a Punjab Kings jersey with Zoraver's name on the back, with the caption "You're Always with Me, My Boy."Despite the challenges, Dhawan remains hopeful that he will be able to reconnect with his son in the future. "I hope that one day, when Zoraver is old enough to understand, he will come to me and ask me about my life and my cricket journey. I will be there for him, whenever he needs me," Dhawan said.

Punjab Kings and Railways batter Ashutosh Sharma's maiden First Class century on his Ranji Trophy debut was made possible by a bat gifted to him by Shikhar Dhawan, who had been impressed by his batting during the pre-season camp for the 2024 Indian Premier League in Mumbai.Sharma, who smashed eight sixes and twelve fours in his 84-ball 123 against Gujarat in January, revealed that Dhawan's gesture had a profound impact on his performance. "The best thing was when I met him for the first time for the (IPL 2024) pre-season camp. The first time he watched my batting, he gave me a bat. I made my maiden First Class hundred with that bat!" Sharma exclaimed.Dhawan's support extended beyond the gift of a bat. Before Sharma's first IPL game against Gujarat Titans, Dhawan offered words of encouragement. "I know you will do it for the team. This cricket is the same as domestic cricket. Just calm your nerves," Dhawan advised.Sharma's composure under pressure was evident in his 17-ball 31 (3x4, 1x6) in the final overs of that match, helping PBKS chase down 200 with three wickets and a ball to spare.Sharma's admiration for Dhawan extends beyond his batting prowess. "I've spoken a lot with Shikhar Paaji (at PBKS). He taught me about visualization and manifestation, to always think positively," Sharma said. "I learnt how a legend like him and a foreign player like Sam Curran perform in tough situations. The main thing is that I learnt how to handle pressure."Sharma's journey from a promising young cricketer to a First Class centurion is a testament to the power of mentorship and self-belief. The bat gifted by Dhawan served as a physical reminder of his potential, while Dhawan's guidance provided the emotional support and technical insights that helped him unlock his talent.

Shikhar Dhawan, India's prolific opening batsman, has bid farewell to international and domestic cricket, marking the end of an illustrious career spanning over a decade. In a heartfelt video message, Dhawan expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to represent his country and the unwavering support he received throughout his journey.Dhawan's international debut came in 2010 against Australia in Visakhapatnam, and he quickly established himself as a formidable force in the Indian batting lineup. Over the course of his career, he amassed an impressive 10,000 runs across all formats, including 24 centuries—17 in ODIs and 7 in Tests.One of Dhawan's most memorable performances came during the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy, where he emerged as the tournament's leading run-scorer. His exceptional batting, which included two centuries and one fifty, played a pivotal role in India's triumph.Dhawan's retirement marks the end of an era for Indian cricket. He was a key member of the team that won the 2013 Champions Trophy and the 2011 Cricket World Cup. His aggressive batting style and ability to score runs at a rapid pace made him a fan favorite.In his retirement message, Dhawan expressed his gratitude to his family, coaches, teammates, and fans for their unwavering support. He acknowledged the sacrifices he had made along the way but emphasized that he was at peace with his decision.Dhawan's retirement leaves a void in the Indian cricket team, but his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of players. His exceptional talent, unwavering determination, and infectious enthusiasm have made him one of the most beloved cricketers in India.

Shikhar Dhawan and Rishabh Pant Share Heartwarming Moment in Delhi Premier League OpenerIn a heartwarming display of camaraderie, out-of-favour India batter Shikhar Dhawan and his national and state teammate Rishabh Pant shared a warm hug during the Delhi Premier League 2024 opener at Arun Jaitley Stadium on Saturday. Dhawan, the co-owner of South Delhi Superstars, and Pant, the captain of the Purani Dilli 6 team, were playing against each other in the opening game of the tournament.On the sidelines of the match, Dhawan was giving an interview to the host broadcaster when Pant, after getting dismissed for a 35 off 32, walked past him. Dhawan stopped his interview mid-way and shared a warm hug with the wicketkeeper-batter. The picture of the two players embracing has gone viral on social media, showcasing the strong bond between them despite their current cricketing situations.In the match itself, remarkable fifties from skipper Ayush Badoni and Priyansh Arya led the South Delhi Superstarz to a three-wicket victory over Purani Dilli 6. Arpit Rana's 59 off 41 and Vansh Bedi's 47 off 19 helped Purani Dilli 6 put up a competitive 197/3 in 20 overs, but South Delhi Superstarz chased down the target in 19.1 overs.South Delhi Superstarz began their run chase aggressively, smashing 73 runs in the Powerplay thanks to the free-flowing strokes from opener Priyansh Arya and Sarthak Ray. Arya reached his fifty off 27 balls, while Badoni struck four consecutive sixes in the 12th over to take the team's total to 140/1. However, Purani Dilli 6 fought back, claiming four wickets in quick succession to shift the momentum.Badoni (57 off 29) and Tejasvi (0 off 1) were dismissed in the 15th over, Kunwar Bidhuri (5 off 7) in the 17th over, and Sumit Mathur (9 off 10) fell in the 18th over, leaving South Delhi needing 13 runs off the last two overs. Vision Panchal and Digvesh Rathi then displayed resilience, chasing down the target with five balls to spare.Earlier, Purani Dilli 6 were invited to bat first and faced an early setback when Manjeet (13 off 8) was dismissed in the third over. Arpit Rana and Rishabh Pant then took control of the innings, guiding Purani Dilli 6 to 58/1 by the end of the powerplay. Rana reached his fifty off 37 balls, while Pant played a supporting role. The duo brought up the team's 100-run mark in the 13th over. However, Rana (59 off 41) was dismissed in the same over, and Pant followed soon after, dismissed by Kunwar Bidhuri in the 15th over after scoring 35 runs off 32 balls.With Purani Dilli 6 at 129/3 after 15 overs, Vansh Bedi and Lalit Yadav upped the tempo, adding 79 runs in 34 balls. Bedi's quickfire 47* off 19 balls and Yadav's 34* off 21 powered Purani Dilli 6 to an impressive total of 197/3 in their allotted 20 overs.

Shikhar Dhawan Recalls Fond Memories with Rohit Sharma on Friendship DayOn the occasion of Friendship Day, Indian cricketer Shikhar Dhawan shared heartwarming anecdotes about his camaraderie with India captain Rohit Sharma. In a video released by Star Sports, Dhawan expressed his admiration for Sharma, calling him his favorite opening partner."I have opened with him for 8-10 years, so I have a strong bond with him. He is a gem of a person," said Dhawan.Dhawan recalled a particular moment that brought them closer on the field. "He used to like it a lot whenever I sang one particular song, 'putt jattan de bulaonde bakre'. So he would look at me and then sing the same song. It's one moment that repeated often."Dhawan sang a few lines from the song, which he used to sing and then laugh.Despite his absence from the national team for over a year, Dhawan remains a respected figure in Indian cricket. He has played 34 Tests, 167 ODIs, and 68 T20Is for India, scoring 2315, 6793, and 1759 runs respectively.Dhawan's bond with Sharma extends beyond the cricket field. They have been friends for many years and share a mutual respect for each other's abilities.