Shikhar Dhawan's retirement from all forms of cricket marks a significant moment in Indian cricket, especially given his illustrious career. Having played 34 Tests, 167 ODIs, and 68 T20Is for India, Dhawan's decision was primarily influenced by a lack of inspiration to pursue domestic cricket for a spot in the national team. He shared that after years of professional cricket, he felt disconnected from the motivation required to play at the domestic level, which he had started back in his teenage years.
Dhawan's perspective reflects a broader trend among cricketers who, after dedicated international careers, face the challenge of transitioning to domestic formats without the same level of passion or energy. He acknowledged that in the past few years, much of his playing time had been spent between IPL tournaments without the consistency of international appearances, which contributed to his decision.
Despite being in decent form, he was realistic about the need for a sustained effort to compete for a national team spot and felt that returning to serious cricket wasn't viable for him. Dhawan recognised that merely training intensively for a few months before the IPL wouldn't suffice to regain the competitive edge necessary for international selection.
His contributions to the IPL are noteworthy; with 6,769 runs and numerous records to his name, including the most boundaries hit in the tournament's history, he leaves behind a legacy as one of its stars. Dhawan expressed satisfaction with his cricketing journey, though he acknowledged the desire to have lifted a World Cup for India, having come close in various tournaments during his career.
As he retired from professional cricket, he also praised his former teammate and current captain Rohit Sharma, celebrating his achievements and leadership qualities. Dhawan's exit from the sport highlights the complexities and emotional considerations faced by players in the twilight of their careers, particularly when considering retirement and the transition away from active competition.