New Delhi: Indian cricketer Shikhar Dhawan, known affectionately as “Gabbar” by fans and teammates, has officially announced his retirement from all formats of international cricket and the Indian Premier League (IPL). The decision marks the end of a remarkable career that spanned over a decade, during which Dhawan became one of India’s most dynamic and entertaining cricketers.
Dhawan made his international debut in 2010, quickly establishing himself as a key figure in India’s cricketing lineup with his explosive batting style and charismatic presence. Over the years, he has played a pivotal role in several of India’s memorable victories across all formats. His contributions were particularly impactful in limited-overs cricket, where his aggressive approach at the top of the order made him a fan favorite.
Reflecting on his career, Dhawan expressed heartfelt gratitude in his retirement announcement: “Representing my country on the international stage has been an incredible honor for me in my cricket journey, and wearing the Indian jersey will always hold a special place in my heart. I am deeply grateful to everyone who has been my backbone in this beautiful experience—my family, friends, teammates, coaches, and, most importantly, the loving fans who have been an incredible part of my journey and my life.”
Throughout his career, Dhawan achieved numerous milestones. He was the standout player in the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy, earning the nickname “Mr. ICC” for his match-winning performances. He became the first batsman to score back-to-back centuries in the IPL and holds the record for hitting the most fours in the tournament’s history. Dhawan also led both the Punjab Kings and Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL, a rare feat of captaining two teams simultaneously.
As he steps away from the cricketing world, Dhawan is set to focus on his business ventures, including his DaOne Group and ownership of the Delhi Premier League team, South Delhi Superstars. He is also dedicated to expanding his fitness and lifestyle enterprises, which include a chain of fitness centers, a sports equipment line, and a wellness brand promoting healthy living.
