On Sunday, Virat Kohli paid tribute to Shikhar Dhawan, calling him one of India’s most reliable openers. Kohli emphasized that while Dhawan’s passion, sportsmanship, and iconic smile will be missed, his impactful legacy will endure. Dhawan, a top-order batter, announced his retirement from all forms of cricket on Saturday.
Kohli took to social media to celebrate Dhawan’s contributions, writing, “Shikhar @SDhawan25, from your fearless debut to becoming one of India’s most dependable openers, you’ve gifted us countless memories. Your passion, sportsmanship, and signature smile will be missed, but your legacy will live on.
The former Indian captain expressed gratitude for Dhawan’s memorable performances and wished him well for his future. “Thank you for the unforgettable moments and for always leading with heart. Best wishes for your next chapter off the field, Gabbar!” Kohli added.
Dhawan, who played 34 Tests, 167 ODIs, and 68 T20Is, amassed 10,867 runs in international cricket—ranking 12th among Indian players—with 24 centuries and 79 half-centuries. He was also the Player of the Tournament in India’s Champions Trophy win in 2013, scoring the highest runs (363) in that edition.
Dhawan, Kohli, and Rohit Sharma formed a formidable trio in white-ball cricket from 2013 to 2019. Both Dhawan and Kohli, hailing from West Delhi, shared a close bond, having progressed through the ranks almost simultaneously. They were teammates for nearly a decade, marking a significant era in Indian cricket.
