Cricket is an arena replete with personalities, but few have demonstrated such an improbable amalgamation of style with substance as Shikhar Dhawan. Known affectionately to the cricketing fraternity as “Gabbar,” Dhawan’s journey through Indian and world cricket is one worthy of recounting in some detail. With speculation about his retirement swirling around in the ether, now is a good time to look back on his contribution to Indian cricket, what he did on the field, and what mark he leaves behind.
The formative years: The emergence of a star
Shikhar Dhawan was born on December 5, 1985, in Delhi, India. Like many sporting legends, Dhawan’s journey began in the gullies of his neighbourhood, where his setback talent with the bat blossomed to the surface. After joining the prestigious Sonnet Club, and honed by the tireless eyes of coach Tarak Sinha, Dhawan began to show promise in the domestic system.
Dhawan was first noticed during the 2004 U-19 World Cup, which he topped the runs table, amassing 505 runs across 7 matches. Despite the obvious talent he had at junior level, Dhawan’s transition to international cricket would not be a seamless one, having to weave through many years of domestic cricket, compiling vintage runs for Delhi, before he would finally come into the spotlight.
The international spotlight and subsequent rise
Dhawan’s international debut was during the ODI series against Australia, 2010. In what appears to be a football score, Dhawan made an unfortunate first impression, out first ball, becoming a ‘duck’ in related search. His first appearance in the international arena raised questions as to whether he had the poise and fortitude required to play international cricket, but Dhawan remained confident and continued the development of his game.
Champions Trophy 2013: Dhawan was the top run-scorer in the tournament, finishing with 363 runs at an average of 90.75, including two centuries against South Africa and West Indies. His contributions were crucial for India’s success in the tournament, and he was named Player of the Series.
2015 ICC World Cup: Subsequently, he witnessed a continued love affair with ICC events, scoring 412 runs in the tournament, with centuries against South Africa and Ireland. His fast starts at the top of the order set India’s foundation for their progression through to the semi-finals.
Champions Trophy 2017: Dhawan, yet again, was the top run-scorer with 338 runs in the tournament. Highlights included a century against Sri Lanka and an important 78 in the semi-final against Bangladesh.
Asia Cup 2018: Dhawan scored 342 runs in the tournament and was instrumental in securing the title for India with two centuries. He was named Player of the Series in those events.
The Different Left-Handed Opening Batsman
One of Dhawan’s unforgettable attributes was his awe-inspiring ability to dominate bowlers of diverse qualities and abilities in all formats of the game. Be it the lightning speed of Dale Steyn or the well-thought-out spin of Nathan Lyon, Dhawan had the kind of technique and temperament to handle it all. His ability to adapt to the situation of the game and know when to settle down and play the anchor or switch gears and go on the attack was admirable.
Moreover, his cover drives, particularly off the front foot for boundaries, were indescribable as he elegantly threw his arms and body without conviction and rewarded by satisfying results. Dhawan’s batting stance was a loopy one, as he would often lean forward and crouch, and waited to jump on anything remotely loose. His sheer confidence at the crease often fueled his fanfare only added to his brashness and confidence. The general feel and sentiment for his batting visit and enjoyment was notably unmatched.
Difficulties and Returns
private life
- No cricket career comes without features. Dhawan’s career had the same. He had an injury which did plague his career; at various times in his career, Dhawan was held out by injury, although he was adept at making significant recoveries.
- In 2019, during the ICC World Cup, Dhawan injured his thumb after scoring a314 (resulting in India clinching the Novu title) against Australia. His injury ruled him out for the rest of World Cup, an indisputably large loss to India’s World Cup campaign. However, Dhawan behaved sanguinely regarding the injury, keeping good spirits, focussing on recovery, and eventual return to the national team.
- The test match arena did pose its own challenges for Dhawan, who often found it challenging to provide runs outside the subcontinent. Conversely, Dhawan did seem in control on pitches in Asia; however, his matches in England, South Africa and Australia did receive scrutiny. Led to him being ruled out of the Test match arena, but he could used charges to boost his sport in limited overs cricket.
- IPL: A stage to perform
- As with most cricketers, IPL was a platform to Dhawan’s career. Dhawan performed for a tatter of franchises during the years, in SRH and DC (led to innings of 81* for SRH). A consummate performer in the IPL. Other than being a consistent performer, Dhawan emerged skillfully under pressure. Thus placing him among a select playing group in the league.
- During the 2020 IPL ODD’s fixture Dhawan became the first player to score back-to-back century’s; Also to take note, Dhawan’s version of cricket was stillU previous belief. His involvement dictated scripted nail conditions in India’s T20 squad, even through the exploration of the downward tow, obscuring players performances.
Leadership and Mentorship
Beyond his batting prowess, Shikhar Dhawan’s leadership qualities have also been noteworthy. He captained India in several series, particularly when senior players were rested. His calm demeanor and positive approach to leadership were well-received by his teammates.
In the domestic circuit, Dhawan took on the role of a mentor for younger players, guiding them with his vast experience. His journey from a U-19 star to an international icon was a source of inspiration for many budding cricketers. Dhawan’s ability to bounce back from adversities and his unwavering self-belief were qualities that he imparted to the next generation.
A Judgement of Retirement
Like every cricketer, there inevitably comes a time when both the mind and body can no longer be persuaded to continue to play. Shikhar Dhawan’s decision to retire would have been far from easy for him to come to. Having been a member of India’s golden generation of cricketers, it would have been an emotional decision to walk away from the game.
Even though Dhawan’s retirement signals the end of an era, it actually starts the conversation about Dhawan’s legacy in the all-important discussion of where he rates in Indian cricket. He has scored over 6000 runs in ODIs, has an impressive batting average, and regularly has contributed in match-winning performances through his contribution to Indian cricket.
Heritage and Equity
Shikhar Dhawan’s legacy is solidified in the annals of Indian cricket. As a cricketer he will be remembered as one whose output to the game showcased the dual quality of flamboyance and toughness. His propensity to perform in the crease when it mattered most; his stroke play; his energy in the field. Flamboyance is the word I will use when I think of Shikhar Dhawan.
More than his batting records and statistics, his impact comes from the way he played the game – he played it in the spirit of the game. He played the game with a smile, no matter. He liked being there; he enjoyed sharing the field with some of his mates; he loved his camaraderie, especially with Rohit Sharma. He loved and respected the sport, probably more than most in his profession.
As he embarks on this next chapter in his life filed with expectations – coaching, commentary or any new venture he chooses, I am certain many young cricketers will take inspiration from Shikhar Dhawan’s story. One that truly started in the streets of Delhi, and yielded the journey to the successful Bollywood music opening batsmen India has produced.
His retirement was not just the end of a player’s career, but it marks the closing chapter to that era of cricket in relation to Dhawan’s chapter of contributions to the game as one of India’s successful openers. He entertained, created memories, his impact remained in the manner in which he left the game out of professional respect. Shikhar Dhawan is Shikhar Dhawan, on and off the field.
As cricket fans and participants we can only thank him for the memories he has provided, and wish him well on his life pathway into next phase of life. Gabbar might have retired from playing day but Shikhar Dhawan’s roar built as a tribute from London to Melbourne will echo in the cricket community forever.
