Virat Kohli writes emotional message as Dhawan announces retirement

New Delhi: Shikhar Dhawan, one of the best opening batsman in Indian history, announced his retirement from cricket on social media through an emotional video.

Many present and former cricket players took the time to congratulate 'Gabbar' on a tremendous career after hearing of his retirement.

Over the course of the past decade, the Indian national cricket team solidified themselves as one of the best batting units in the country. The team’s batting lineups spearheaded by the deadly opening partnership of Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma followed by Virat Kohli at number three was enough for India to be feared by bowlers around the globe.

“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 memories, unforgettable performances and always leading with your heart. Wishing you the best in your next innings, off the field Gabbar!

Dhawan and Virat Kohli played together for India from 2011-2022 in which they partnered up on 60 different occasions. The duo combined for 3430 runs and averaged a partnership score of 60.17 whilst stitching 10 centuries and 15 half-centuries, IANS reported.

In Dhawan’s 13-year long international career, in which he played 34 Tests, 167 ODIs and 68 T20Is scoring 2315, 6793 and 1579 runs respectively in the three formats. Alongside his impeccable international career, Dhawan went on to represent Delhi, Hyderabad, Mumbai and Punjab in the Indian Premier League where he played 222 games whilst scoring 6769 runs which included two centuries and 51 half-centuries.

Dhawan's final appearance for India was in an ODI against Bangladesh in Chattogram in December 2022 while his last T20I was in Sri Lanka in July 2021. He hadn't played a Test for India since 2018.