In its 90-year history in international cricket, Team India has transformed from underdogs to a powerhouse, producing cricketing legends with both bat and ball. Shikhar Dhawan, who celebrated his 37th birthday, has been an integral part of this cricketing journey. Initially competing with the likes of Sehwag, Gambhir, and Tendulkar, Dhawan found his breakthrough in the ICC Champions Trophy 2013 when paired with Rohit Sharma at the top.
The dynamic opening duo became one of the most formidable partnerships in world cricket, with Rohit’s record-breaking double centuries and Dhawan’s explosive batting earning him the nickname ‘Gabbar.’ Despite facing challenges and being shifted down the order, Dhawan remained a fan favorite, known for his batting prowess and trademark mustache twirl.
Transitioning to exclusively white-ball cricket after his last Test in 2018, Dhawan faced tough competition from players like KL Rahul. Despite not being a consistent first-choice, Dhawan has embraced a leadership role, guiding the next generation of Indian cricketers with his wealth of experience. His standout performances in ICC tournaments, especially the 2013 Champions Trophy and the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy, where he won the ‘Man of the Tournament’ award, showcased his ability to excel on the big stage.
In India’s 2018 Asia Cup victory, Dhawan played a crucial role, scoring 342 runs at an average of 68.40. However, an unfortunate injury during the 2019 World Cup halted his impressive run, impacting India’s campaign. Despite relatively modest T20 World Cup performances, Dhawan’s credentials as a white-ball cricket legend remain strong, known for delivering crucial performances when it matters the most.
Looking ahead to the ICC 50-over World Cup in 2023, hosted by India, Dhawan’s experience and explosive batting will be vital for the team’s success. If India aims to secure its third 50-over World Cup after 12 years, they will undoubtedly rely on Dhawan to continue his stellar performances and play a pivotal role in the tournament.
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