TV
Shikhar Dhawan, fondly known as 'Gabbar' in Indian cricketing circles, was never just about the runs. With his trademark kabaddi-style celebrations, twirling moustache, and ever-smiling demeanour, he brought colour and charm to every game he played.
However, behind the flair was a batsman of steely resolve one who rose from a slow start to become one of India’s most reliable white-ball openers.
From Struggles to Stardom
Dhawan’s early days in international cricket were modest just 69 runs from his first five ODIs and a solitary T20I outing. But as veterans like Sehwag and Gambhir faded from the scene, Dhawan seized his opportunity in 2013.
What followed was a dream run Player of the Tournament in the 2013 Champions Trophy, India’s top scorer in the 2015 ODI World Cup, and again the top run-getter in the 2017 Champions Trophy. His opening partnership with Rohit Sharma remains one of the most formidable in India’s ODI history.
The Turning Point: A Quiet Goodbye
Despite his heroics, Dhawan's ODI career came to an abrupt halt. His final appearance came during the 2022 Bangladesh tour where Ishan Kishan’s double century signalled a generational shift. “When Ishan scored that 200, my instinct told me, this could be the end,” Dhawan said to Hindustan Times.
No Calls, No Complaints
On being dropped, Dhawan didn’t reach out to anyone. “Maybe Rahul bhai messaged me. That’s normal. Everyone’s busy, it’s part of the journey,” he reflected, adding with a smile that his book might help fans understand him better.
A Legacy Beyond Numbers
Shikhar Dhawan’s story is not just one of runs, records, or flamboyance, it is a reflection of how to navigate the highs and lows of elite sport with dignity. While many athletes cling to fading opportunities or battle bitterness upon being sidelined, Dhawan chose calm over chaos.
His reaction to Ishan Kishan’s double century, an inner voice that accepted the writing on the wall was not defeatist, but self-aware. It showed the mark of a seasoned professional who understood the cyclical nature of sport.
