QUIET EXIT

 

FEARLESS is the best description of Shikhar Dhawan’s career in international cricket. The day he entered the Test arena against Australia in Mohali, the world got the full display of how a resolute player goes about his task without any fear for reputation or history. In his debut Test innings, Dhawan simply slaughtered the Aussie bowlers, putting up a grand spectacle which the world hailed without any hesitation. As he announced retirement from international cricket, the southpaw opener has left a blazing trail for budding cricketers to follow and learn from. True to his nickname ‘Gabbar’, Dhawan instilled fear in opposition bowlers for the brutality in his batting. He was not careless, nor was he a dasher but the Delhi batsman had a fantastic method to bring out his destructive best well within the confines of proper batting. India will miss this simple method in madness that Dhawan employed with a telling effect in his glorious career. Though he did not get the due for his brave knocks in big games, his contemporaries and his captains knew what special contribution he made in building Team India’s march towards the top since 2010. To put it simply, Dhawan will remain the unsung hero of Indian cricket but he would accept it with a wide smile as he accepted the omissions during his career for India.

 

When he came in as the opener, India was witnessing the last lap of Sachin Tendulkar and Virender Sehwag. Dhawan replaced Sehwag and never looked like a misfit in the important position. He was an assurance at the top and the rich experience he brought with him by coming through the ranks in Delhi cricket was always on exhibition during tricky phases. The century he scored against South Africa in the 2015 World Cup was an example of how the opener planned a calculated attack against some of the top pacers in the world, including Dale Steyn. Dhawan’s century broke a big World Cup jinx and brought a new vigour in the Indian team that was feeling low after the disastrous tour Down Under preceding the World Cup. India went on to reach the semi-final against all odds as Dhawan’s knock provided the necessary pivot to change fortunes. What players like Shikhar Dhawan do to a team and its culture is instil belief in one’s abilities. The youngsters in his company in the team as well as the franchise teams in the Indian Premier League would vouch for the backing Dhawan provided them in their moments of confusion. It was backroom leadership without any fuss but with concrete results. He showed big confidence in youngsters during the IPL and even allowed them to leadership positions on the field. The elevation of young wicketkeeper Jitesh Sharma as vice-captain of Punjab Kings had full backing of Dhawan. It was his vote of faith in the youngster. With Dhawan’s retirement several budding players will miss a mentor.