Indian cricketer Shikhar Dhawan has officially retired from both international and domestic cricket. The 38-year-old announced his decision on Saturday through a heartfelt video message on social media, where he expressed deep gratitude for the unwavering support of his fans throughout his illustrious career.

Dhawan shared that he steps away from the game with a sense of fulfillment, having proudly represented India in all three formats since his international debut in 2010 during a One Day International (ODI) match against Australia in Visakhapatnam.

"As I close this chapter of my cricketing journey, I carry with me countless memories and gratitude. Thank you for the love and support! Jai Hind!" Dhawan wrote in his post on 'X'. He added, "It's important to turn the page to move forward in life, and that's why I am announcing my retirement from international and domestic cricket. I leave with peace in my heart, knowing I played for India for so long."

Highlights of Shikhar Dhawan's Career
Born in Delhi, Dhawan faced a rough start to his international career, getting out for a duck in his debut match. However, he bounced back in 2013 and firmly secured his place in all formats of the game. One of his crowning moments came during India's successful Champions Trophy campaign in England, where his outstanding performances earned him the Player of the Tournament title.

Another career-defining moment was his explosive 185 on his Test debut against Australia in Mohali, where he reached his century in just 85 balls with a series of stunning boundaries. Despite almost being run out by Mitchell Starc’s first delivery, Dhawan went on to set the record for the fastest century by a debutant, thanks to the Australians choosing not to appeal.

Known for his aggressive playing style and powerful batting, Dhawan became a key figure in the Indian team, particularly for his successful partnership with Rohit Sharma at the top of the batting order. His contributions were consistently acknowledged, and his presence on the field left a lasting impact.

Dhawan’s IPL Legacy
Dhawan’s legacy extends to the Indian Premier League (IPL), where he featured in 222 matches, amassing 6,769 runs, including two centuries and 51 half-centuries. He holds the record for the most fours (768) in the tournament and was the first player to score consecutive centuries in IPL history.

Playing for several franchises, including Sunrisers Hyderabad, Delhi, Mumbai, and Punjab, Dhawan played a pivotal role in Sunrisers Hyderabad's 2016 title win. He also captained Delhi and Punjab at various points in his career, showcasing his leadership skills.

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