Cricket Career Nearing End? Shikhar Dhawan Opens Up About Transition Period and Retirement

Cric News India IPL News 2025

May 24, 2024 0 806

Shikhar Dhawan hinted at retiring soon due to a shoulder injury, saying he is in a transitional phase where his cricket career might end, leading to a new chapter in his life.

Shikhar Dhawan, the former Indian opener and Punjab Kings’ IPL captain has hinted at a potential shift in his cricketing journey. Hindered by a shoulder injury that limited his appearances this season, Dhawan watched from the sidelines as his team struggled, finishing ninth in the league.

With queries arising about his future leadership role following Punjab Kings’ playoff exit, Dhawan, in a conversation with news agency ANI, acknowledged being in a transitional phase where cricket might take a back seat. Addressing retirement speculations, he mentioned contemplating a period where cricket could pause, marking the beginning of a new chapter in his life.

“I am also going through a transition Jahan Meri Cricket Vishram Pe Aayegi (Where my cricket will come to rest) and a new chapter in my life will start. You only have a certain age till you can play. It could be one year more, two years more, or xyz for me,” Dhawan said.

Dhawan also opened up about his IPL stint this year, where he sustained a shoulder injury during a match against Sunrisers Hyderabad. Reflecting on his recovery journey, Dhawan mentioned that the injury hindered his participation, limiting him to just a handful of games for Punjab Kings. Despite ongoing healing, he admitted to not yet achieving full fitness.

With a cricketing history that includes 168 ODIs and 68 T20Is for India, Dhawan has enjoyed a successful IPL career. Transitioning to Punjab Kings for the 2022 season after a tenure with Delhi Capitals, he made an impactful debut by scoring 460 runs. Although his subsequent season saw a slight dip in performance, Dhawan remains a prominent figure in T20 cricket, boasting the second-highest run tally of 6,769 runs in 222 IPL appearances.