The highly anticipated India vs Pakistan clash in the World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025 has been cancelled. The opening game for both teams was scheduled for Sunday. However, the…
Shikhar Dhawan was born on 5 December 1985 in Delhi to Sunaina and Mahendra Pal Dhawan, in a Punjabi Hindu family. He attended St. Mark’s Senior Secondary Public School in Meera Bagh. At age 12, he joined Delhi’s Sonnet Club and began training under coach Tarak Sinha. Initially a wicket-keeper, his flair with the bat became evident early, leading Delhi U‑16 and later India U‑19. His outstanding junior performances, including becoming the top scorer in the 2004 U‑19 World Cup and earning Player of the Tournament with 505 runs at an average of 84.16, cemented his reputation.
Shikhar Dhawan’s early cricketing journey was shaped by discipline, dedication, and a strong support system. His performances in age-group cricket for Delhi were consistently dominant, and he was soon recognized as one of the most promising young talents in the country. The 2004 U‑19 World Cup served as his breakout moment, where he showcased a blend of flair and maturity far beyond his years. This tournament established him as a future star in Indian cricket’s growing talent pool.
Known for his vibrant personality, Dhawan is often called “Gabbar” by teammates, a nickname that echoes his cheeky grin and confident demeanor. He maintains strict fitness routines—cardio, strength training, and field drills—and shares gym and workout updates, inspiring many . Off the pitch, Dhawan is an animal lover and talented musician, often showcasing his flute-playing. He also enjoys cooking, sharing foodie content on social media.
Dhawan married model Ayesha Mukherjee in 2012. Their daughter, Zoravar, was born in March 2014. While the duo parted ways later, Shikhar has remained a devoted father. Despite media attention post-separation, he maintains respectful co-parenting and keeps his personal life grounded and private.
Dhawan’s domestic journey began at 14, captaining Delhi U‑16 in the Vijay Merchant Trophy (1999–2000), becoming leading scorer next season. He progressed to North Zone and Delhi U‑19, leading India’s U‑19 team in the 2004 World Cup in Bangladesh. His breakthrough came at Delhi first-class level and in the IPL, eventually earning his Test debut in 2013—scoring a blistering 187 off 174 balls and marking the fastest Test century by a debutant over 85 balls.
He made his ODI debut in October 2010 against Australia. Highlights include:
Leading run‑scorer for India in the 2015 World Cup.
Player of the Tournament in 2013 Champions Trophy.
First Indian to score a Test century before lunch (June 2018 vs Afghanistan).
Despite later competition from emerging talents like Shubman Gill, Dhawan remained a clutch performer in ICC events.
He retired on 24 August 2024, finishing with 24 international hundreds and celebrated dominance in multi‑team events.
Dhawan has been a giant in the IPL since 2008, playing for franchises like Deccan Chargers, Delhi Daredevils, Mumbai Indians, Sunrisers Hyderabad, Delhi Capitals, and Punjab Kings . Key achievements:
6,769 IPL runs, making him 6th all-time.
2 centuries and 51 fifties, with a highest score of 106.
Holds IPL record for most fours.
Played pivotal roles: SRH’s 2016 IPL win, and record back‑to‑back centuries .
Recent form: Punjab Kings’ top scorer in 2022–24 seasons; averaged over 38 in 2022 and above 41 in 2023.
His strike rate (~127) and consistency demonstrate strategic adaptability as anchor or aggressor.
Shikhar Dhawan’s memoir, published on June 26, 2025 by HarperCollins India, offers a candid look at his life on and off the field. Titled “The One: Cricket, My Life and More”, the book reveals the personal struggles behind the public success—his early rejections, injuries, emotional challenges, and moments of self-doubt.
Blending cricketing highs (like ICC tournament performances) with deeply personal reflections, the memoir goes beyond stats to explore his identity, relationships, and spiritual growth. Praised for its honesty and depth, it stands as a powerful story of resilience, vulnerability, and reinvention.
