Cricket: Shikhar Dhawan announces retirement, tells what is the biggest thing for him

India's opening batsman Shikhar Dhawan announced his retirement from international and domestic cricket on Saturday.

He said: 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!

The left-handed batsman posted an emotional video to his fans on social media, announcing his retirement from all forms of international and domestic cricket.

Dhawan last played an ODI series for India in 2022. But later, he lost his place in the team due to the performances of Shubman Gill and other young batsmen.

Dhawan has played 34 Tests, 167 ODIs and 68 T20 matches for India. He has so far scored 6793 runs in 50-over ODIs and his average has been 44.11 runs.

Dhawan has announced his retirement by posting Al video on social media. In this video, he is seen saying, "Today I am standing at a turning point from where I see only memories when I look back and the whole world when I look forward. I always had only one goal, to play for India and that happened too. For this I am thankful to many people."

"First of all I am thankful to my family. My childhood coach Tarak Sinha ji, Madan Sharma ji, under whom I learned cricket. Then my team with whom I played for years. I got a family. Got fame and got your love."

'It is necessary to turn the pages'

Shikhar Dhawan said, "But as they say, to move forward in the story, it is necessary to turn the pages. So, I am going to do the same. I am announcing my retirement from international and domestic cricket."

He said, "And when I am saying goodbye to my cricket journey, there is a peace in my heart that I played a lot for my country. I am very thankful to BCCI and DDCA, who gave me a chance and to all my fans, who gave me so much love."

'This is the biggest thing for me'

He said, "I tell myself that brother, you should not be sad that you will not play for your country again. But keep the happiness of the fact that you played for your country. And this is the biggest thing for me that I played.''

Dhawan played 269 international matches for India, in which he has 24 centuries to his name. He was seen captaining Punjab Kings during IPL 2024 this year. Teammates have been calling him 'Gabbar'.

After the announcement of his retirement, Punjab Kings remembered his innings and wrote, ''Runs, trophies and countless memories, Happy Retirement Gabbar. I am eagerly waiting for a blockbuster start to the next innings of my life."