India’s veteran opener, Shikhar Dhawan recently announced his retirement from all forms of cricket, bringing an end to an illustrious career. Dhawan was known for his aggression, style, and charisma on and off the field, winning the hearts of millions of fans all around the world.
Known as ‘Mr. ICC’, Dhawan continuously stepped up his game during the ICC events, delivering some special knocks for India on the grand stage. He was an integral part of India’s Champions Trophy triumph in 2013 and their run into the latter stages of the 2015 and 2019 Cricket World Cup.
Dhawan’s record in ICC events is nothing less than spectacular. In his 10 ODI World Cup matches in 2015 and 2019, the left-hander scored 537 runs at an average of 53.70, and in his Champions Trophy career, he scored 701 runs at an average of 77.88. In the ICC World T20s, he scored 74 in 7 matches.
The Gabbar also has six centuries to his name in the ICC events, highlighting his importance in the Indian team. Let us take a look at Dhawan’s centuries in ICC tournaments.
1. 114 vs South Africa – ICC Champions Trophy 2013
Shikhar Dhawan’s maiden ICC ton came in the ICC Champions Trophy 2013 against South Africa at Sophia Gardens, Cardiff. The left-hander smacked 114 off just 84 balls amassing an opening partnership of 127 runs with Rohit Sharma. Dhawan’s innings helped India to post 331/7 in their 50 overs. In reply, Proteas were bundled out 305 runs, giving them the win in the opening match of the tournament.
With this innings, Dhawan truly announced himself to the cricketing world and would set himself up for bigger achievements in the coming years. Men in Blue eventually lifted the ICC Champions Trophy 2013, beating hosts England in the final.
2. 102* vs West Indies – ICC Champions Trophy 2013
Shikhar Dhawan’s second ICC ton also came at the ICC Champions Trophy 2013. This time, West Indies were on the receiving end as Gabbar smashed an unbeaten 102 off 107 balls with a strike rate of 95.32. Chasing a target of 234 in 50 overs, Dhawan and Rohit once again for their side off to a blistering start putting up an opening wicket partnership of 101 runs. India eventually managed to chase down the target in just 40 overs with Dhawan still on the pitch.
ICC Champions Trophy began the Rohit-Dhawan era for the Indian Cricket Team. The duo enjoyed a formidable time together at the top and were an integral part of India’s Champions Trophy triumph.
3. 137 vs South Africa – ICC Cricket World Cup 2015
Arguably, Shikhar Dhawan’s best ODI knock came in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 against South Africa at the iconic MCG. The left-hander smashed 137 off 146 balls, hitting 16 fours and two maximums in the process, helping India post 307 runs on the board. South Africa got nowhere near to India’s score, losing the match by 130 runs.
It was this innings that earned Dhawan the tag of ‘Mr ICC’ by the fans as he set the tournament alight with his stroke play and artistic footwork. Dhawan was adjudged the Player of the Match for his 137, which is also his highest score in ODI cricket.
4. 100 vs Ireland – ICC Cricket World Cup 2015
India played the minnows Ireland in the Pool B match of the ICC Cricket World Cup match at Seddon Park, Hamilton. Chasing a target of 260, India once again got off to a flyer thanks to Dhawan and Rohit. The duo put up an opening wicket stand of 174, before Rohit’s dismissal on 64. Dhawan kept taking the Irish bowlers to the cleaners completing his ton in just 85 balls. His innings saw India get over the line and book their place in the knockout round.
Dhawan was named as the Man of the Match for his efforts and his heroics led India all the way to the semi-final of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015.
5. 125 vs Sri Lanks – ICC Champions Trophy 2017
Shikhar Dhawan’s fifth ton at ICC events came in the ICC Champions Trophy 2017 against Sri Lanka at the Oval. Men in Blue came into the tournament with a couple of high-profile injuries but the opening pair of Rohit and Dhawan was again among India’s bright spots and a lot depended on the pair in their bid to defend their crown.
The duo didn’t disappoint as Dhawan smashed an entertaining 125 of 128 balls with some gorgeous and unorthodox strokes to set the Oval on fire. India, however, lost the match as the Lankan Lions famously chased down India’s target of 322 with 8 balls to spare.
6. 117 vs Australia- ICC Cricket World Cup 2019
The two powerhouses of cricket, India and Australia, locked horns again at the ICC Cricket World Cup at Oval in 2019. Batting first, Dhawan injured his thumb early in the innings, but that did not stop him from taking the fight to the Aussie pacers. Dhawan smashed 117 off 92 balls, helping his team to 352 in their 50 overs. Men in Blue ended up winning the game and Dhawan’s ton earned him the Man of the Match award.
The win set the tone for India in the 2019 World Cup and Dhawan’s innings of 117 with a broken thumb is regarded as one of the best of his career given the occasion and points at stake.
Read More: ICC Announces New Venue For T20 World Cup After Bangladesh Chaos
Mohd Faisal Hakak is a sports author from Kashmir. He likes to keep tabs on the sporting world with a keen interest in football, motorsports, NBA, and other marquee sports. He is a science graduate from Islamia College Srinagar.
