Shikhar Dhawan’s journey from a small town in Delhi to becoming India’s one of the most aggressive and dependable opening batsmen has been nothing short of a fairytale. Known as the ‘Gabbar’. Dhawan captured the hearts of the fans thanks to his elegance and fearless attitude and is widely known for his ability to step up in high-pressure matches.
After a career spanning over 13 years, the 38-year-old finally called it a day in international and domestic cricket, marking the end of an era in Indian cricket. Let us take a look at the top 5 innings of Shikhar Dhawan.
5. 114 vs South Africa, ICC Champions Trophy 2013 – Cardiff
The ICC Champions Trophy 2013 began the Rohit-Dhawan era for the Indian Cricket Team. In a group match against South Africa, the duo put up an opening partnership of 127 runs. After Rohit’s dismissal, Dhawan held the innings together, smacking 114 runs off just 94 balls.
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. Men in Blue would go on to lift the ICC Champions Trophy 2013, beating hosts England in the final.
4. 114 vs Pakistan, Asia Cup – Dubai (2018)
Arch rivals India and Pakistan crossed paths in the Super Four of Asia Cup 2018 in Dubai. Batting first, Pakistan put up a respectable total of 237 runs on the board.
Chasing the target, India openers Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan showed no mercy to Pakistani bowlers with the latter scoring 114 runs in 100 balls with a strike rate of 114.0. Dhawan hit sixteen fours and two sixes in his innings guiding India to victory in the 40th over. The left-hander was awarded the Man of the Match for his match-winning innings.
India ended up winning the Asia Cup 2018 beating Bangladesh in the final.
3. 187 vs Australia on Test Debut – Mohali (2013)
Shikhar Dhawan’s test debut came against a formidable Australian side in 2013 and it didn’t take him long to stamp his authority on the game. The left-hander only took 85 balls to reach his maiden ton which was the quickest by any batsman on a Test match debut. He ended up with a score of 187 from just 174 balls.
Dhawan’s 187 against Australia is the highest score on a Test debut by an Indian batsman and his strike rate of 107.47 holds a record for any batsman during a ton on a test debut. With this innings, he announced himself to the test cricket and would cement his place in the Indian team for the coming years.
2. 117 vs Australia, World Cup 2019 – Oval
Dhawan was one of the most lethal batsmen in the 2019 World Cup in England. During India’s opening clash against the defending champions Australia, Dhawan suffered a broken thumb early on in the match but that did not stop him from taking the Aussie pacers to the cleaners. After completing his 50, the left-hander was seen taking painkillers during the drinks break and continued where he left off, punishing the opposition bowlers.
Dhawan eventually made 117 off just 92 balls, helping his team to 352 in their 50 overs. Men in Blue ended up winning the game easily and Dhawan’s ton earned him the Man of the Match award, setting a tone for India in the coming matches.
1. 137 vs South Africa, World Cup 2015 – Melbourne
India faced South Africa in a high-profile group match in the ICC Cricket World Cup in 2015 at MCG. Dhawan wasted no time and took the attack to the Proteas pacers completing his 50 of just 37 balls. The left-hander eventually whacked 137 off 146 balls, hitting 16 fours and two maximums in the process. Dhawan’s ton helped India India post 307 runs on the board, which South Africa fell short by 130 runs.
Dhawan was adjudged the Player of the Match and this 137 was also his highest score in ODI earning him the name ‘Mr ICC’ by the cricket fans.
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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.
