Shikhar Dhawan, The King Of Global ODI Tournaments

Shikhar Dhawan’s career has been one of remarkable achievements, establishing himself as one of India’s most consistent and prolific performers in white-ball cricket. Known for his aggressive stroke play, calm demeanor, and ability to rise to the occasion in ICC tournaments, Dhawan has left an indelible mark on the game. From explosive starts with Rohit Sharma to record-breaking performances, Dhawan’s career is filled with unforgettable moments. Here, we explore the key milestones of his illustrious career that spanned over a decade.

A Record-Breaking Test Debut: 187 Runs Against Australia

Shikhar Dhawan’s Test debut was nothing short of extraordinary. In March 2013, he played his first innings in Test cricket against Australia at Mohali and stunned everyone with a scintillating knock of 187 runs. This score remains the highest by an Indian debutant in men’s Test cricket and ranks as the eighth-best overall for debutants across the world. What made his century even more special was the way he achieved it. Dhawan brought up his hundred off just 85 balls, making it the fastest century on debut in Test history.

His fearless approach from the very beginning showcased his ability to dominate world-class bowling attacks, and this innings became the cornerstone of a Test career that, while shorter than his ODI and T20I careers, still had moments of brilliance.

Dominance in ODIs: 6793 Runs at a 44.11 Average

In ODI cricket, Shikhar Dhawan was a force to be reckoned with. With an impressive average of 44.11 and 6793 runs from 164 innings at a strike rate of 91.35, Dhawan solidified his place as one of India’s most reliable openers in the 50-over format. Among the 19 Indian batsmen who have scored 3000 or more ODI runs, only four – Virat Kohli, MS Dhoni, Rohit Sharma, and Sachin Tendulkar – have a higher average, placing Dhawan in elite company.

Dhawan’s ability to score quickly while maintaining consistency made him a valuable asset in India’s top order. He had a knack for getting the team off to strong starts, particularly in ICC tournaments where he consistently rose to the occasion.

ICC Tournament Specialist: An Average of 65.15

If there is one area where Shikhar Dhawan truly stood out, it was in ICC 50-over tournaments. Across World Cups and Champions Trophy matches, Dhawan amassed 1238 runs in just 20 innings, at a staggering average of 65.15. This incredible performance included six centuries and ten half-centuries, making him one of the most prolific performers on the global stage. His average in these tournaments is the highest among all batters who have scored at least 1000 runs, edging out even Virat Kohli’s average of 64.55.

In the ICC Champions Trophy, Dhawan was especially dominant, averaging 77.88 in ten matches. His performances in World Cups were equally impressive, with an average of 53.70 in ten innings. His ability to perform in high-pressure situations made him India’s go-to man in major tournaments, earning him the moniker “Mr. ICC” from fans and pundits alike.

Partnership of Legends: Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan

The opening partnership between Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma is one of the most successful in ODI cricket history. Together, the two formed a formidable duo at the top of the order, accumulating 18 century partnerships for the first wicket in ODIs. This is the second-highest number of century partnerships by any opening pair, trailing only behind the legendary combination of Sachin Tendulkar and Sourav Ganguly, who have 21 century partnerships to their name.

In total, Rohit and Dhawan amassed 5148 runs together as an opening pair, placing them fourth on the list of highest aggregate runs by an opening partnership in ODIs. Their chemistry on the field was evident, with each complementing the other’s style perfectly. While Rohit provided stability, Dhawan’s aggression ensured that India often got off to flying starts, setting up strong platforms for the middle order.

Reaching 6000 ODI Runs in Record Time

Dhawan’s ability to accumulate runs quickly saw him reach the milestone of 6000 ODI runs in just 140 innings. This achievement places him among an elite group of cricketers, as only four batters have taken fewer innings to reach the landmark in men’s ODIs: Hashim Amla, Virat Kohli, Kane Williamson, and David Warner. Dhawan’s consistent performances at the top of the order were a testament to his ability to adapt to various conditions and opposition bowling attacks.

His knack for scoring runs under pressure, particularly in run chases and in crucial matches, made him one of the most dependable batsmen in India’s ODI setup. Dhawan’s contributions were instrumental in many of India’s victories over the years, and his ability to score runs at a brisk pace without losing his wicket often swung games in India’s favor.

Overseas Performer: 12 ODI Centuries Outside India

While Dhawan’s Test record outside Asia was not as prolific, his ODI performances on foreign soil were exceptional. Of his 17 ODI centuries, 12 were scored outside India, highlighting his ability to adapt to different conditions and perform consistently. His average of 44.03 at a strike rate of 89.34 outside Asia is a testament to his skill and temperament in unfamiliar conditions.

Dhawan’s record in countries like Australia, England, New Zealand, and South Africa was particularly impressive. In 68 innings in these four nations, he averaged 46.68 at a strike rate of 91.73, with eight centuries. His ability to thrive in challenging environments made him a crucial part of India’s overseas campaigns, particularly in ICC tournaments hosted in these regions.

A Legend in the IPL: 6769 Runs and 768 Fours

Shikhar Dhawan’s prowess wasn’t limited to international cricket; he was also one of the most successful batsmen in the Indian Premier League (IPL). With 6769 runs in the tournament, Dhawan is second only to Virat Kohli in terms of aggregate runs. His 768 fours are the most by any player in the IPL, well ahead of Kohli’s 705, highlighting his ability to pierce the field with precision.

Dhawan’s consistency in the IPL was remarkable, as he topped 500 runs in a season on five occasions – in 2012, 2016, 2019, 2020, and 2021. This feat places him in the elite company of players like Kohli, David Warner, and KL Rahul, who have achieved this milestone more frequently. His ability to perform year after year in one of the most competitive T20 leagues in the world speaks volumes about his skill and adaptability.

A Legacy of Excellence

Shikhar Dhawan’s cricketing journey is one of resilience, determination, and excellence. Whether it was his explosive debut in Test cricket, his consistent performances in ODIs, or his dominance in the IPL, Dhawan has left an indelible mark on the game. His ability to rise to the occasion in ICC tournaments, form partnerships with legends like Rohit Sharma, and perform under pressure has made him one of India’s finest cricketers.

As Dhawan’s career progresses, his legacy as one of India’s greatest opening batsmen is secure. His records and achievements will continue to inspire the next generation of cricketers, and his contributions to Indian cricket will be remembered for years to come.

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