Indian cricket fans are in shock as Shikhar Dhawan, one of the country’s most popular cricketers, announced his retirement from all forms of cricket. Dhawan, known affectionately as “Gabbar”, shared the news in a touching social media post via Instagram and Twitter.
He also wrote a heartfelt message for his young son, Zoraver. This marks the end of a remarkable career that has seen Dhawan become a favorite among fans. The left-handed batsman who famously made his retirement announcement through social media on August 25, 2024.
In his retirement announcement, he has reflected on his cricket journey, stating, “It’s important to turn the page to move forward in life,” and expressed, “I leave with peace in my heart.” He thanked supporters for the countless memories, focusing that he will carry gratitude for his experiences on the field as he closes this chapter.
In his farewell message, he mentioned that, “It’s time for me to move on from the cricket field and start a new chapter in my life. I have given my all to the game, and now it’s time to focus on my family, especially my son, Zoraver.”
He mentioned that the decision to retire was tough, but he felt it was the right time to step away from the sport he has loved for so long. Despite these challenges, he continued to play in the IPL and domestic cricket, hoping for a comeback. But with the rise of younger players and his age catching up, he decided it was time to retire.
Major Career Highlights of Shikhar Dhawan
Shikhar has enjoyed a remarkable cricket career filled with many titles and achievements. He played a crucial role in India’s victory at the ICC Champions Trophy in 2013, where he was named Player of the Tournament. He also contributed significantly in the 2017 edition, winning the Golden Bat for being the highest run-scorer.
In the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015, he was India’s top run-scorer, amassing 412 runs. In the Indian Premier League (IPL), Dhawan won the title in 2016 with Sunrisers Hyderabad and played for several franchises, including Delhi Capitals and Punjab Kings. He consistently ranked among the top run scorers. He made headlines for scoring the fastest century on his Test debut against Australia in 2013.
In One Day Internationals (ODIs), he has scored 6,793 runs at an average of 44.11, including 17 centuries. He also holds records for being the fastest player to reach 6,000 runs in ODIs. In T20 Internationals, he has scored 1,759 runs with 11 fifties.
Overall, his career showcases his significant contributions to Indian cricket, especially in major tournaments and the IPL, making him one of the standout openers in the sport’s history.
Shikhar Dhawan’s Personal Life: His Relationship with His Wife, Ayesha Mukherjee and Son
While Dhawan’s cricket career was growing, his personal life faced difficulties. In 2021, Dhawan and his wife, Ayesha Mukherjee, announced their separation after almost ten years of marriage. This news surprised many, as they had appeared to be a strong couple.
There have been rumors about the problems in their relationship, including disagreements on parenting and career choices. The divorce was finalized in 2022. Dhawan and Mukherjee stated that they wanted to put their son Zoraver’s happiness first.
In his retirement post, Dhawan briefly talked about his separation. He said, “Life has thrown many challenges my way, but none as tough as going through a divorce. It was hard for both Ayesha and me, but we decided to put Zoraver’s happiness above all else. Even though we are not together as husband and wife, we will always be united as parents.”
He has been open about his feelings about missing his son who lives in Australia with his mother. He hasn’t seen Zoravar for over 6 months. Although the court has given him permission to visit his son during school holidays, the reality is that they often have very little time together.
Dhawan explained that even when he does get to see Zoravar, it’s usually just for a few hours, which isn’t enough for him as a father. He mentioned that he sends messages to Zoravar every day, hoping they reach him, but he doesn’t know if they do. Dhawan wishes for Zoravar to remember him not just as a cricketer but as a caring dad. He hopes that one day they can spend more time together and create lasting memories.