On his 39th birthday, Shikhar Dhawan shared the story behind his famous nickname 'Gabbar'. From his early days in the Ranji Trophy to shining in the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy, let's take a look at the journey of this Indian opening batter.
Shikhar Dhawan: The Man Behind the "Gabbar" Moniker
Shikhar Dhawan, the celebrated Indian cricketer, is affectionately known by the moniker "Gabbar." This nickname, synonymous with his fearless and flamboyant batting style, has a fascinating backstory that traces its origins to his early cricket days.
Birth of "Gabbar"
In 2004, Dhawan made his Ranji Trophy debut for Delhi. His explosive batting and ability to demoralize opposition bowlers caught the attention of his teammates, who began comparing him to the legendary villain "Gabbar Singh" from the Bollywood film "Sholay."
The character Gabbar Singh, played by Amjad Khan, is known for his ruthlessness, aggression, and distinctive dialogue, "Kitne aadmi the?" (How many men were there?). Dhawan's batting style, characterized by aggression, controlled chaos, and an uncanny ability to dominate opposition attacks, drew parallels with the iconic villain.
The Journey of "Gabbar"
From his early days in the Ranji Trophy to his international debut in 2010, Dhawan consistently lived up to the "Gabbar" nickname. His fearless approach and ability to score runs quickly made him a force to be reckoned with.
In 2013, Dhawan played a pivotal role in India's triumph at the ICC Champions Trophy. His explosive batting in the tournament, including a match-winning century in the final against England, cemented his status as one of the most dangerous opening batters in world cricket.
Top 5 FAQs Related to Shikhar Dhawan's "Gabbar" Moniker:
He received the nickname during his Ranji Trophy debut for Delhi in 2004 due to his resemblance to the iconic villain "Gabbar Singh" from the film "Sholay."
His aggressive batting style and ability to demoralize opposing bowlers drew comparisons to the ruthless and intimidating "Gabbar Singh" character.
The nickname has become an integral part of Dhawan's persona and has played a role in his rise to fame as one of the most dangerous openers in world cricket.
Dhawan has played several memorable innings throughout his career, including his match-winning century in the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy final and his record-breaking 248 in the 2019 Cricket World Cup.
Yes, Dhawan has embraced the nickname and often uses it in his social media handles. He has expressed admiration for the "Gabbar Singh" character and sees the comparison as a compliment to his aggressive batting style.
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