Virat Kohli wishes the fearless “Gabbar!” best of luck as Shikhar Dhawan bids adieu to Cricket

New Delhi: In a recent tweet from former Indian skipper, Virat Kohli, the former has paid tributes to the amazing memories and beautiful career of Shikhar Dhawan who recently took his retirement from the game of cricket. Kohli acknowledged Shikhar’s phenomenal career which he felt would be an inspiration for many young and budding cricketers.

Read more: As the Legendary Cricketer Shikhar Dhawan announces retirement, fans say ‘Thank You Gabbar’

Kohli has seen Shikhar from close corners as the two played for the same domestic team in the Ranji circuit (Delhi). Moreover, Under Kohli’s leadership and captaincy, Shikhar announced himself on the international stage. Naturally there has been a close bonding between the left-hander and King Kohli.

What did Virat Kohli write about his Delhi mate?

Shikhar @SDhawan25 from your fearless debut to becoming one of India’s most dependable openers, you’ve given us countless memories to cherish. Your passion for the game, your sportsmanship and your trademark smile will be missed, but your legacy lives on. Thank you for the…

— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) August 25, 2024

Rising from the ashes- Shikhar Dhawan’s inspirational journey

Shikhar Dhawan’s Indian journey is nothing short of a spectacle. The left-hander played 34 Tests, 167 ODIs and 68 T20Is for India in a career which has panned out over 20 years. Shikhar made his domestic debut for Delhi in 2004 and has continued playing in the circuit till 2024.

However, Dhawan’s best came in the ODI format where he scored 693 runs at an average of 44.11. He was one of the key players who played a part in the dominance of the Indian team during the Champions Trophy of 2013 where he formed a deadly combination with current skipper Rohit Sharma. India was eventually crowned champions under the then-captain of India Mahendra Singh Dhoni.

On the other hand, Shikhar’s Test career has been not as majestic as his white-ball career. Dhawan scored 2315 Test runs at an average of 40.61. Nevertheless, he still holds the record for the fastest test century (85-ball 100) as a debutant when he smashed 187 runs off 174 deliveries against Australia in Mohali. Dhawan last played competitive cricket in this year’s IPL when he led the Punjab Kings in April 2024.