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Stylish, flamboyant and committed are some of the words that can be used to describe cricketer Shikhar Dhawan as he turns 38 today. Regarded as one of the India’s most aggressive openers, Dhawan burst into the scene after a stellar U-19 World Cup where he scored 505 runs. Also known as Gabbar, the rise of Dhawan has been incredible following his outstanding performance that helped India win the Championships Trophy 2013.
Lesser-known facts about Shikhar Dhawan:
Few people might know these trivia but yes, Dhawan did begin his career as a wicketkeeper. Late Tarak Sinha who was his childhood coach once said, “Shikhar always had the talent but more than anything had the guts. Not many people know that he was a wicketkeeper when he first came under my guidance. I realized he is special when as a 12 year-old, he scored a hundred in an U-15 school tournament.”
Playing for Masters before making International Debut
Before making his international debut, he played in a tsunami relief tournament in Abu Dhabi in May 2005. He played against the likes of Lasith Malinga and Abdul Razzak
Opening with Ms Dhoni
During the Challenger Trophy 2005, Dhawan had opened the batting for India Seniors with MS Dhoni. Back then, Dhawan was only 19 and Dhoni had played three ODIs for India. It was one the key points of his career as he started his career batting with the legendary Captain of India Ms Dhoni. They both scored centuries in one of matches during the Challenger Trophy.
Dhawan’s has been a great servant to the India team as he always put everything to make an contribution for India. Consistency always symbolizes Shikhar Dhawan whenever talked about ICC tournament as he is regarded as Man for the big tournaments as he performed brilliantly in ICC events for India.
A look at Shikhar Dhawan's stats
Highest Run Getter in Champions Trophy in 2013 (Man of the Tournament)
Highest Run Getter in Champions Trophy in 2017
His 187 Vs Australia on his Test Debut in Mohali is the highest by any Indian batsman
In his career over 13 years, Shikhar Dhawan has amassed over 10,000 runs in international cricket (All formats) with 24 international hundreds to his name.
