Rishi Dhawan bids farewell to Indian limited-overs cricket
Indian all-rounder Rishi Dhawan has announced his retirement from limited-overs cricket. He made the announcement after Himachal Pradesh’s exit from the Vijay Hazare Trophy group stage. Dhawan clarified that he will continue playing for Himachal in the Ranji season, as his retirement pertains only to limited-overs formats.
The 34-year-old cricketer represented India in four matches in 2016. He also played in the IPL for Mumbai Indians, Punjab Kings, and Kolkata Knight Riders, but went unsold in the recent auction. Dhawan shared his decision through a heartfelt social media message. He expressed, “It is with a heavy heart that I announce my retirement from Indian cricket (limited-overs). I have no regrets, only gratitude for a career that spanned 20 years.”
Dhawan’s journey in cricket has been marked by passion and dedication. He reminisced, “From humble beginnings to representing my country on the biggest stages, it has been an honor. Cricket has defined my life, brought me happiness, and countless memories.” He also thanked his coaches, mentors, and teammates, recognizing their contribution to his growth.
Dhawan is entering a new phase in his life. He is filled with excitement and anticipation for the challenges ahead. “I look forward to new dreams and opportunities. The values cricket taught me will guide me in this next chapter,” he added.
With 186 wickets in 134 List A matches and 2906 runs, Dhawan enjoyed a solid domestic career. He also excelled in T20s, with 118 wickets in 135 matches. His most memorable achievement was leading Himachal to their first-ever Vijay Hazare Trophy title in 2021-22. Dhawan finished the season as the second-highest run-scorer with 458 runs and second-highest wicket-taker with 17 wickets in eight matches.
In the IPL, Dhawan played 39 matches across various teams, taking 25 wickets and scoring 210 runs. Though his IPL career never reached its peak, Dhawan’s domestic cricket legacy remains strong.
His leadership and all-round abilities will be remembered, especially for his pivotal role in Himachal’s historic Vijay Hazare Trophy victory. As he moves forward, Dhawan remains focused on the future, with an unwavering belief in the lessons learned through his cricketing journey.
