“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,” he said in a video posted on his social media accounts. “I am leaving with peace in my heart that I played so long for India. I’ve told myself don’t feel sad that you won’t play for India anymore, but feel happy that you played for the country.”
Dhawan’s career hit the high notes in 2013, when made 1162 runs in ODIs at an average of 50.52 and a strike rate of 97.89. The icing on the cake was his chart-topping 363 runs in five innings, including two centuries, in India’s title-winning run at the Champions Trophy, which was his first series back in ODI colors after five forgettable outings in 2010-11.
Dhawan’s glorious run extended well past the Champions Trophy 2013 as he established himself as a key member of the ODI team over the next few years. He was the highest scorer in each of the next few multi-team (five-plus teams) ODI tournaments for India: Asia Cup 2014, World Cup 2015, Champions Trophy 2017 and Asia Cup 2018.
As a domestic cricketer, Dhawan’s early years coincided with Ranji Trophy success for Delhi, as he was part of the title-winning team in 2007-08, when they beat Uttar Pradesh. He was also the top run-scorer for India at the Under-19 World Cup in 2004.