Shikhar Dhawan was born on December 5, 1985, in Delhi, India, into a Punjabi household. His father, Mahendra Pal Dhawan, and mother, Sunaina Dhawan, recognized his interest in cricket at an early age and always encouraged him to follow his passion. Dhawan grew up in a supportive environment where his love for the sport was nurtured from childhood.
He completed his schooling at St. Mark’s Senior Secondary Public School in Delhi, balancing academics with his growing cricketing commitments. At a young age, he joined the Sonnet Club, one of Delhi’s premier cricket academies, under the guidance of renowned coach Tarak Sinha. It was here that Dhawan polished his batting skills and developed the fearless style that would later become his trademark.
His consistent performances in age-group cricket for Delhi earned him recognition, and soon, he was selected for the India Under-19 team. Representing India at the junior level provided him the platform to showcase his aggressive stroke play, firmly establishing him as one of the brightest young talents in the country.
Cricket Career
Domestic Career
Shikhar Dhawan’s domestic career began with Delhi in the Ranji Trophy, where he quickly made a name for himself as a top-order batsman with a natural flair for scoring runs. His reliability and attacking intent made him one of the most consistent performers in India’s domestic circuit. Over the years, Dhawan’s contributions in domestic cricket cemented his reputation as a dependable player capable of handling pressure.
Indian Premier League (IPL)
Dhawan has been an integral part of the Indian Premier League (IPL) since its inception. Over the years, he has represented several franchises, including Delhi Capitals, Sunrisers Hyderabad, and Punjab Kings.
With Sunrisers Hyderabad, Dhawan played a crucial role as a senior opener, providing stability and explosiveness at the top of the order. His ability to rotate the strike, build partnerships, and accelerate when required made him a match-winner for his franchises. He remains one of the top run-scorers in IPL history, showcasing his consistency across multiple seasons.
International Career
Shikhar Dhawan made his One Day International (ODI) debut in 2010 against Australia. While his early international career took time to gain momentum, his breakthrough came during his Test debut in 2013 against Australia, where he smashed an unforgettable 187 runs off 174 balls. This knock not only announced his arrival but also set a record for the fastest century on Test debut by an Indian.
Dhawan became a permanent fixture in India’s limited-overs setup, particularly excelling in ICC tournaments. He was the highest run-scorer in the ICC Champions Trophy in both 2013 and 2017, earning the Golden Bat Award on both occasions. His opening partnerships with Rohit Sharma became legendary, providing India with explosive starts across formats.
Known for his fearless stroke play and ability to perform in big matches, Dhawan played a vital role in India’s successes in tournaments like the Champions Trophy, Asia Cup, and various bilateral series. His aggressive style made him one of India’s most dependable limited-overs openers.
Awards and Achievements
- ICC Champions Trophy Winner (2013): Top run-scorer, instrumental in India’s title win.
- Golden Bat Award (2013 & 2017): For being the highest run-scorer in two consecutive Champions Trophies.
- Asia Cup Winner (2018): Contributed significantly with the bat in India’s victory.
- Fastest Century on Test Debut (2013): Scored 187 against Australia.
- Arjuna Award (2021): Honored for his outstanding contribution to Indian cricket.
- IPL Milestones: Among the highest run-scorers in IPL history, with numerous match-winning knocks.
- Captaincy Recognition: Successfully led India in limited-overs series, proving his leadership qualities.
Personal Life
Shikhar Dhawan was married to Ayesha Mukherjee, a Melbourne-based kickboxer, and the couple has a son named Zoravar. However, the marriage ended in divorce in 2021. Despite personal challenges, Dhawan remains devoted to his son and often shares glimpses of their bond on social media.
Off the field, Dhawan is known for his vibrant personality, love for music, and passion for fitness. His jovial nature, iconic mustache twirls, and celebratory gestures on the field have made him one of the most beloved figures in Indian cricket. He is equally admired for his humility and positive outlook on life.
Legacy
Shikhar Dhawan’s career is a shining example of grit, flamboyance, and consistency. Renowned for his explosive batting, he has provided India with many memorable starts and match-winning performances on the world stage. His ability to rise to the occasion, particularly in ICC tournaments, has cemented his legacy as one of India’s greatest opening batsmen.
Even as his international appearances become limited, Dhawan continues to inspire through his performances in domestic cricket and the IPL. His journey, filled with determination and passion, ensures that he will be remembered as a true icon of Indian cricket.
