After a successful journey in the world of cricket, Indian batsman Shikhar Dhawan has bid adieu to the sport, leaving fans emotional. Fondly known as 'Gabbar', Dhawan played 34 Test matches, 167 ODIs, and 68 T20Is, amassing a total of 10,867 runs with 25 centuries and 44 half-centuries. Let's take a look at the highlights of his impressive career, both internationally and in the IPL.
Shikhar Dhawan Retires: A Farewell to 'Gabbar' of Indian Cricket
Indian cricket legend Shikhar Dhawan has officially announced his retirement from international cricket, marking the end of an illustrious career that spanned over a decade. Affectionately known as 'Gabbar' for his fierce on-field demeanor, Dhawan was an integral part of India's limited-overs teams, playing a pivotal role in their successes.
Career Highlights
Throughout his career, Dhawan played 34 Test matches, 167 One-Day Internationals (ODIs), and 68 Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is). He amassed a staggering 10,867 runs across formats, including 25 centuries and 44 half-centuries.
Dhawan made his international debut in an ODI against Australia in 2010 and quickly established himself as an opening batsman with an aggressive and flamboyant style. His ability to score runs quickly and provide a solid start was crucial to India's success in limited-overs cricket.
IPL Career
In addition to his international career, Dhawan was also a prominent figure in the Indian Premier League (IPL). He represented several teams, including the Delhi Daredevils, Sunrisers Hyderabad, and Punjab Kings, over the course of his IPL journey.
Dhawan is the IPL's eighth-highest run-scorer, with 6,794 runs in 215 matches. He has two IPL titles to his name, winning with the Hyderabad Sunrisers in 2016 and the Mumbai Indians in 2020.
Top 5 FAQs on Shikhar Dhawan's Retirement
1. Why did Shikhar Dhawan retire? Dhawan has stated that he wants to focus on spending time with his family and exploring other passions. He also feels that it is the right time for younger players to get opportunities.
2. What is Dhawan's most memorable innings? Dhawan's favorite innings is his debut Test ton in Adelaide in 2013, where he scored a magnificent 187.
3. Who is known as 'Gabbar' in Indian cricket? Shikhar Dhawan earned the nickname 'Gabbar' for his fierce on-field demeanor, which is similar to the iconic Bollywood villain Gabbar Singh from the film 'Sholay.'
4. How many centuries did Dhawan score in international cricket? Dhawan scored a total of 25 centuries across all formats of international cricket.
5. What is Dhawan's next move after retirement? Dhawan has not yet announced his plans for the future but has hinted at exploring various options, including coaching and commentary.
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.