Shikhar Dhawan

There is no understating the pressure that comes with being an opener for India. It’s one of the most prestigious and challenging roles in cricket, and it demands resilience and skill from the batters entrusted with it. In the 21st century, Shikhar Dhawan stands among India’s finest openers, bearing the mantle with distinction throughout the 2010s.

Youth Cricket — The 2004 U-19 World Cup

Shikhar Dhawan was always seen as a flamboyant left-handed batter, with the style and personality to match the competition in Delhi's burgeoning cricket scene. He dominated domestic age-group tournaments in the early 2000s, earning a spot in the U-19 World Cup in Bangladesh.

The squad featured future Indian cricketers like Suresh Raina, Dinesh Karthik and Robin Uthappa, but Dhawan was the standout, amassing 505 runs with three centuries. He was named Player of the Tournament, a clear sign of the promising career ahead of him.

Later in 2004, Dhawan earned his senior call-up for Delhi, gaining valuable experience alongside established openers Gautam Gambhir and Virender Sehwag. While he was capable of big scores, consistency eluded him in his early years.

International Debuts

Dhawan’s rise to the international stage was delayed, mainly due to the presence of stalwarts like Gambhir and Sehwag. His first international appearance came in 2010 during an ODI against Australia, as part of a second-string Indian side. However, he struggled to make an impact initially.

It wasn’t until 2013 that Dhawan earned a Test call-up for the series against Australia, replacing an out-of-form Sehwag. This time, he seized his opportunity, delivering one of the most memorable debut innings by an Indian batter—187 off 174 balls, including the fastest century on debut by an Indian.

ICC Tournament Success

Although Dhawan found success in Tests, his best performances came in ODIs, particularly in ICC tournaments. His smooth, fluent strokeplay shone brightest on the grandest stages. In the 2013 Champions Trophy, Dhawan formed a new opening partnership with Rohit Sharma. Despite initial doubts, Dhawan silenced his critics with 363 runs in five matches, averaging over 90. He finished as the tournament’s highest run-scorer, helping India lift the trophy and earning Player of the Tournament honours.

Dhawan continued his dominance in the 2015 World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, scoring 412 runs in eight innings. His knack for delivering in crucial moments was undeniable—Shikhar Dhawan was a big-game player.

IPL — A Tournament Legend

Dhawan’s natural ability to score runs was on full display in the IPL, where he ranks second on the all-time run-scorers list, only behind Virat Kohli. His partnership with David Warner at Sunrisers Hyderabad became legendary, with both players consistently piling up runs.

In 2019, Dhawan joined Delhi Capitals as a veteran opener, a move that proved mutually beneficial. Delhi reached the playoffs in each of his three seasons, with Dhawan scoring over 500 runs in each campaign. In 2020, he became the first player in IPL history to score back-to-back centuries.

At 38, Dhawan continues to play in the IPL, but his true character shines through in the grace with which he stepped aside from the Indian team to make room for the next generation of openers. He has openly supported younger players, offering advice and mentorship in his role as a senior statesman of Indian cricket.

Whenever Shikhar Dhawan chooses to hang up his gloves, there’s no doubt he will be remembered as an Indian cricket legend.