Veteran Indian opener Shikhar Dhawan has recently opened up about nearing the end of his cricketing career. The seasoned southpaw hinted that he might announce his retirement within the next couple of years.
Dhawan served as the captain of the Punjab Kings (PBKS) during the 2024 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL 2024). Unfortunately, he featured in only five games, sidelined for the rest due to a shoulder injury.
Acknowledging the transitional phase of his career, the 38-year-old suggested that retirement might be on the horizon. In an interview with ANI, Dhawan shared his thoughts on his future:
“I am also going through a transition ‘Jahan Meri Cricket Vishram Pe Aayegi’ (Where my cricket will arrive at a resting phase) and a new chapter in my life will start. You only have a certain age till you can play. It could be one year more, two years more, or xyz for me.”
Updating on his injury, Dhawan added:
“Unfortunately, I got injured this IPL season and could not play for Punjab except for 4-5 matches. It takes time to recover. I am still healing. I have not recovered 100 percent yet.”
Dhawan managed to score 152 runs from five innings at an average of 30.40 and a strike rate of 125.61 in IPL 2024. PBKS struggled throughout the season, winning only five out of their 14 games and finishing second-last in the points table.
“Good Luck Team India, We Are All Rooting for You” – Dhawan Ahead of 2024 T20 World Cup
Shikhar Dhawan last represented India in December 2022. With emerging talents like Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill taking the spotlight, Dhawan has been edged out of the national team.
He was not selected for the upcoming 2024 T20 World Cup, but he remains optimistic about India’s chances. Dhawan praised the current squad and expressed his support in a conversation with The Times of India:
“It’s great to see players like Shivam Dube, Yuzi (Yuzvendra Chahal), and Sanju (Samson) getting their deserved spots in the ICC tournament. We have a very balanced side and we need to play really good cricket. Good luck Team India and we are all rooting for you guys.”
India is set to face Ireland in their first match of the 2024 T20 World Cup. The game will be played at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York on June 5.
With Dhawan’s potential retirement on the horizon, his fans and the cricketing world will be keenly watching his next moves. How much longer will the stylish left-hander grace the cricket field? Only time will tell.