Sports Desk:

India’s star opening batsman Shikhar Dhawan announced his retirement from all forms of cricket—domestic and international–two years after he last donned the national jersey in an ODI match against Bangladesh.

Dhawan, 38, made his international debut in 2010 in an ODI against Australia in Visakhapatnam and his last India game was also a 50-over match, against Bangladesh in 2022.

“As I close this chapter of my cricketing journey, I carry with me countless memories and gratitude. Thank you for the love and support! Jai Hind!,” Dhawan said in a post on ‘X’.

Dhawan represented India in 34 Tests, 167 ODIs and 68 T20Is from 2010 to 2022 and piled up more than 10,000 runs in international cricket. His record includes 24 centuries—17 in ODIs and seven in Tests.

Dhawan was a key member of the Indian team which won the ICC Champions Trophy in 2013 under M S Dhoni’s captaincy.

“I only had one dream and that was to play for India and I even achieved that. I am thankful for so many people who contributed to my journey. First of all, my family. My childhood coach Late Tarak Sinha, and Madan Sharma under whose guidance I learnt the basics of the game,” Dhawan said.

“I would also like to thank my team with whom I have played cricket for so long. I got another family, I got name, fame and love of all the fans,” he said.

“There is a saying you need to turn the page to read the full story. That’s what I am going to do. I am announcing my retirement from international and domestic cricket. When I am calling time on my career, I am at peace because I have played so much for my country. I am thankful to BCCI and DDCA for giving me the opportunity. I am also thankful to the fans who have given me so much love over the years,” the left hander further said.