Shikhar Dhawan's incredible journey in international cricket, from winning the Player of the Tournament at the 2004 Under-19 World Cup to becoming a fearless opening batsman, has been an inspiration for many. Despite facing challenges and criticism, he has consistently proved his worth for the Indian team in both Test and limited-overs formats, solidifying his place as one of the top batsmen in the world. With his aggressive and yet adaptable style of play, Dhawan has cemented his place in the hearts of Indian cricket fans as well.
Shikhar Dhawan: India's Fearless Opening Batsman
Shikhar Dhawan, fondly known as "Gabbar," has had an illustrious career in international cricket. From his early days as a promising youngster to his rise as a fearless opening batsman, Dhawan's journey has been nothing short of remarkable.
Early Career and Rise to Prominence
Born in Delhi on December 5, 1985, Dhawan first gained prominence as a left-handed opening batsman in domestic cricket for Delhi. He made his international debut for India in 2010, in an ODI match against Australia. However, it was his performance in the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy that catapulted him into the limelight. Dhawan scored the tournament's highest run total (363 runs) and was named the Player of the Tournament, helping India to their first Champions Trophy title.
Consistent Run-Scorer in All Formats
Dhawan has established himself as a consistent run-scorer in all three formats of the game. In Tests, he has scored over 2,500 runs, including six centuries. In ODIs, he has accumulated more than 6,000 runs, with 17 centuries. In T20Is, Dhawan boasts an impressive strike rate of over 130 and has played a pivotal role in India's T20 World Cup campaigns.
Aggressive and Adaptable Style of Play
Dhawan's batting style is characterized by aggression and adaptability. He is known for his powerful strokeplay and ability to score runs at a rapid pace, particularly in the powerplay overs. However, he has also shown the maturity to adapt his game to different situations and conditions.
Challenges and Criticism
Despite his impressive performances, Dhawan has faced challenges and criticism throughout his career. He was dropped from the Test team in 2018 after a string of poor performances. However, Dhawan responded with determination and bounced back stronger, proving his worth in the limited-overs formats.
Top 5 FAQs about Shikhar Dhawan
1. What is Dhawan's highest score in international cricket? A: 190 runs in an ODI against Australia in 2016.
2. Has Dhawan ever won an ICC Player of the Tournament award? A: Yes, he won the award in the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy.
3. How many centuries does Dhawan have in ODIs? A: 17 centuries.
4. What is Dhawan's nickname? A: Gabbar.
5. Has Dhawan ever played in the Indian Premier League (IPL)? A: Yes, he has played for Delhi Daredevils, Mumbai Indians, Sunrisers Hyderabad, and Punjab Kings.
On Sunday, December 22, Liverpool and Tottenham faced off in a highly anticipated match that ended in a 6-3 victory for Liverpool. With an incredible offensive display, Liverpool's Mohamed Salah led the team to victory with three goals and an assist, solidifying their spot at the top of the Premier League table. The intense back-and-forth game kept fans on the edge of their seats until the final whistle blew.
Fans of Bournemouth were elated as their team secured a 3-0 win against Manchester United at Old Trafford for the second consecutive season. United's defeat pushed them to the 13th spot in the Premier League and highlighted their struggles with anxiety and sloppiness on the field. The Cherries' victory was thanks to goals from Dean Huijsen, Justin Kluivert, and Antoine Semenyo, leaving United fans frustrated with their team's poor performance. With this defeat, United have now conceded nine set-piece goals this season, raising concerns about their defense.
In a heated second ODI match between South Africa and Pakistan, prolific batter Heinrich Klaasen has been fined 15% of his match fee and given a demerit point for violating the ICC Code of Conduct. The incident occurred on December 19, causing a stir in the cricket world. This is not the first time Klaasen has faced disciplinary action, adding to his track record.
Pakistani cricketer Mohammad Amir recently praised Indian cricketer Virat Kohli, calling him the greatest batsman of this generation. Amir believes that Kohli's work ethic and unbeatable record in all three formats of the game make him incomparable to others from this current generation. He also described the special moment of dismissing legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar, who he had always admired and considered a brilliant batsman.
In the world of football, change is inevitable, but oftentimes it can be a double-edged sword. As talks of a potential new ownership group for Everton continue to swirl, manager Sean Dyche remains confident that he can lead his team to Premier League survival. With the uncertainty surrounding the future of the club and the possibility of a big name being brought in to replace Dyche, it's important for Everton fans to proceed with caution and consider the consequences of their desires. Meanwhile, as matches continue to unfold, fans can stay up-to-date with commentary on the BBC Sounds app or through their smart speaker.
Football expert and columnist Jamie Carragher believes that Liverpool's 6-3 win against Tottenham on Sunday was not only a statement in the Premier League title race, but also a performance of champions. The win, combined with Chelsea's 0-0 draw with Everton, has now given Liverpool a four-point lead at the top of the table heading into Christmas. Carragher praises the team's dominant away performance and believes it sends a clear message to their title contenders.
In a disastrous 6-3 defeat against Liverpool, an injured Tottenham side faced heavy criticism for their playing style, with pundits questioning whether their tactics would ever lead to success. However, manager Ange Postecoglou remained steadfast in his belief and refused to change his approach, despite conceding six goals for the second time in Premier League history. Spurs languish in 11th place in the league, raising further doubts about their playing style and future under Postecoglou's leadership.
Saim Ayub shone on a challenging pitch at the Wanderers in Johannesburg, becoming the youngest player in Pakistan's history to score three One Day International centuries in just nine games. Despite a late start and a shortened game due to rain, Saim's elegant stroke play and fearless approach helped Pakistan to a total of 308-9, ultimately leading them to a series victory against South Africa.
Despite suffering a humiliating 6-3 defeat at the hands of Liverpool, injury-plagued Tottenham Hotspur continued to stick to Ange Postecoglou's uncompromising tactics. The manager, who has faced criticism for his philosophy in the past, once again stood by his beliefs and refused to change his approach. However, the heavy loss at home has left Spurs languishing in 11th place in the Premier League.
Hearts legend and former coach, John Robertson, watched as the team drew with Moldovan team Petrocub in a crucial Europa Conference League match. He pointed out that the biggest issue for Hearts was the lack of creativity in the midfield, specifically calling out players Alan Forrest and Yan Dhanda. Robertson stressed the importance of having a strong midfield presence, highlighting the success of the Petrocub strikers who had support from their teammates in the middle of the park. He also offered specific advice for Forrest and Dhanda to improve their contributions in a 4-4-2 formation.