Shikhar Dhawan, also known as “Mr. ICC” due to his blockbuster innings in ICC tournaments, has announced his retirement from international and domestic cricket. This means we will no longer witness the stylish left-handed batter taking on the world’s top bowlers, nor will we see his signature “Pehlwan style” thigh pat celebration. But why did this retirement come about?
Although it might seem sudden, it’s important to note that the selectors had already confirmed that they were not considering him for the opening position in the Indian team, especially with Shubman Gill rising through the ranks. Let’s try to decode why Dhawan has announced his retirement from both domestic and international cricket. Was it just inconsistent stats over the last few years, or is there something else?
Shikhar Dhawan international career
With 34 Tests, 167 ODIs, 68 T20Is, and countless memories, this star batter’s dip in form could be traced back to just after the 2019 World Cup. Slowly and steadily, as Shubman Gill came into the picture, Shikhar Dhawan struggled to capitalize on the opportunities he was given. If we look at his ODI decline, especially in 2022, we see a significant drop in his average to 34.40 across 22 games, down from 49.50 in 2021, where he played just six games. Aging and a dip in form, along with subtle injuries, are the main reasons for his decline. Despite scoring 24 centuries in total, his impact has slowly and steadily faded over time.
Shikhar Dhawan divorce
Apart from dipping in form, whether in the IPL or international cricket, there could be several reasons for his retirement. One significant factor may be his personal life, which has not been hidden from public view. Shikhar Dhawan, who married Ayesha Mukherjee, an amateur kickboxer, in 2012, announced their separation after nearly a decade together in 2021. The reasons for their separation were not disclosed to the public.
However, in 2023, Delhi court granted Shikhar Dhawan a divorce from Ayesha Mukherjee on the grounds of “mental cruelty.” The court’s decision highlighted the emotional and psychological strain that contributed to the divorce. Although it may be wrong to point to this as the sole reason for his retirement, both his declining form and personal turbulence could be major factors in Gabbar’s decision to retire.
