When you think of stylish left-handed Indian batsmen, one name instantly comes to mind—Shikhar Dhawan. Known for his aggressive starts, trademark moustache twirl, and match-winning knocks, Dhawan has carved a special place in modern cricket. From his unforgettable Test debut century against Australia to becoming one of the most consistent performers in ODIs and the IPL, his journey is a mix of flair, discipline, and hard work.
In this article, let’s dive deep into Dhawan’s life, career stats, achievements, and what makes him such a beloved figure in Indian cricket.
Early Life and Background
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Full Name: Shikhar Dhawan
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Born: December 5, 1985 (currently 39 years old)
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Birthplace: Delhi, India
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Role: Opening Batsman
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Batting Style: Left-handed bat
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Bowling Style: Right-arm off-break
Hailing from Delhi, Dhawan’s cricketing spark was noticed early. He trained at the Sonnet Cricket Club, where many Indian greats honed their skills. Known for his natural timing and fearless stroke play, Dhawan quickly rose through junior cricket before making a mark at the domestic level.
International Debut and Career Timeline
Dhawan’s journey to international cricket wasn’t overnight—it took years of hard work in the domestic circuit before India gave him the nod. Here’s how his international career unfolded:
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ODI Debut: vs Australia on October 20, 2010 (Visakhapatnam)
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Test Debut: vs Australia on March 14, 2013 (Mohali)
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T20I Debut: vs West Indies on June 4, 2011 (Trinidad)
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IPL Debut: vs Rajasthan Royals on April 19, 2008 (Delhi)
While his ODI debut came in 2010, Dhawan truly arrived on the scene in 2013 with his breathtaking 187 on Test debut against Australia—still one of the fastest debut centuries in history.
Shikhar Dhawan’s Batting Career Stats
Dhawan’s numbers speak volumes about his consistency across formats. Let’s break them down:
Test Cricket
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Matches: 34
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Innings: 58
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Runs: 2,315
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Highest Score: 190
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Average: 40.61
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Strike Rate: 66.95
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100s/50s: 7/5
While Dhawan didn’t have a long Test career, he made an instant impact with explosive starts, often putting India in commanding positions.
ODI Cricket
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Matches: 167
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Runs: 6,793
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Highest Score: 143
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Average: 44.11
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Strike Rate: 91.36
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100s/50s: 17/39
Dhawan was India’s go-to opener in ICC tournaments, earning the nickname “Mr. ICC” for his habit of scoring big in World Cups and Champions Trophy matches.
T20I Cricket
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Matches: 68
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Runs: 1,759
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Highest Score: 92
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Average: 27.92
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Strike Rate: 126.37
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50s: 11
In T20Is, Dhawan’s quick starts often gave India early momentum, even though he didn’t notch a century in this format.
Indian Premier League (IPL)
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Matches: 222
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Runs: 6,768
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Highest Score: 106*
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Average: 35.07
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Strike Rate: 127.13
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100s/50s: 2/51
Dhawan is one of the top run-scorers in IPL history, admired for his ability to anchor an innings while keeping the scoreboard ticking.
Shikhar Dhawan’s Bowling Career
Though primarily a batsman, Dhawan occasionally bowled part-time off-spin in Tests. His bowling stats are minimal, with no international wickets to his name.
In the IPL, however, records show occasional overs bowled, though his contribution has largely remained with the bat.
Playing Style: What Makes Dhawan Special?
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Explosive Starts: Dhawan loves taking on bowlers in the powerplay, often dismantling pace attacks with cuts, pulls, and cover drives.
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Fearless Approach: Whether it’s Mitchell Starc or Dale Steyn, Dhawan backs himself against the best.
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Strong Against Spin: His ability to use his feet against spinners has been a key strength.
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Trademark Celebration: The moustache twirl after scoring big runs has become iconic among fans.
Memorable Moments in His Career
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2013 Test Debut: Scored 187 off 174 balls against Australia.
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2013 Champions Trophy: Player of the Tournament, leading run-scorer.
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2015 & 2019 World Cups: Consistently among India’s top scorers.
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IPL Milestones: Crossed 6,000 IPL runs—one of the first few players to do so.
Who Does Shikhar Dhawan Play For Now?
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Last Test Match: September 7, 2018, vs England at The Oval.
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Last ODI Match: December 10, 2022, vs Bangladesh.
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Last T20I Match: July 29, 2021, vs Sri Lanka.
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Last IPL Appearance: April 9, 2024, vs Sunrisers Hyderabad (Mullanpur).
While he hasn’t been part of India’s recent squads, Dhawan continues to feature in the IPL, where his leadership and experience remain invaluable.
Also Read : Pat Cummins Profile – Age, Career Info & Stats
Shikhar Dhawan Beyond Cricket
Off the field, Dhawan is admired for his positive outlook and sense of humor. His social media presence is filled with motivational messages, dance reels, and family moments, making him relatable to fans. He has also shown interest in mentoring young players, passing on his experience to the next generation.
FAQs About Shikhar Dhawan
1. How many centuries does Shikhar Dhawan have in ODIs?
He has scored 17 ODI centuries.
2. Why is Dhawan called “Gabbar”?
During domestic cricket, he often entertained teammates by mimicking the famous Bollywood villain Gabbar Singh. The nickname stuck.
3. Is Shikhar Dhawan still playing international cricket?
As of 2024, he hasn’t featured in India’s squads recently, but he actively plays in the IPL.
4. What is his highest score in international cricket?
His highest score is 190 in Tests and 143 in ODIs.
5. Has Dhawan captained India?
Yes, he has captained India in limited-overs series, particularly when senior players were rested.
Final Thoughts
Shikhar Dhawan’s cricketing journey is a testament to resilience and flair. While his international career may have slowed down, his impact on Indian cricket remains undeniable. With thousands of runs across formats, big-match performances, and his ever-smiling personality, Dhawan is more than just a cricketer—he’s an entertainer loved by millions.
Whether you know him as Gabbar, the fearless opener, or the IPL run-machine, one thing’s certain: Shikhar Dhawan’s legacy in Indian cricket will stand tall for years to come.
