Shikhar Dhawan made a return, participating in the 2024 Legends League Cricket (LLC) after announcing international retirement in August this year. He is currently leading Gujarat Greats in the T20 tournament.
On September 23, Monday, Gujarat locked horns with the Southern Super Stars at the Barkatullah Khan Stadium in Jodhpur. Gujarat suffered a defeat, but Dhawan delivered an impressive performance that stood out throughout the match.
Speaking of the game, Gujarat won the toss and opted to bowl first in a gripping encounter. Despite a solid start, the Super Stars’ top-order collapsed, with No. 7 batter Chathuranga de Silva emerged as key for their innings. He scored a crucial unbeaten 53 off just 48 balls, featuring six boundaries and two maximums. His efforts helped the team reach a respectable total of 144/9. On the bowling front, Manan Sharma stood out, dismantling the batting order and finished with impressive figures of 6/17.
In reply, the Dhawan-led side started strong, with the captain himself contributing a steady 52 off 48 balls, including three fours and as many sixes. However, the middle order faltered, as they were limited to a score of 118 runs. Dinesh Karthik and Co. successfully restricted them and clinched a significant victory. For the SuperStars, Pawan Negi claimed a three-wicket haul while Abdur Razzak picked up two. Overall, it was a match defined by strong individual performances, but ultimately, teamwork paved the way for Super Stars’ triumph.
Dhawan began his LLC journey with a win against Toyam Hyderabad at the same stadium. While his individual score in that match wasn’t remarkable, his leadership skills were impressive in his very first match of the tournament. He previously captained Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
Despite the defeat in the second match in LLC, his strategic foresight was evident in this match as well. His keen field placements and operational tweaks, along with his innings, showcased his unique prowess and timing. In addition, he inspires his teammates, fostering a positive and cohesive atmosphere within the squad.
Recently calling time on his career from all forms of cricket, he leaves behind a legacy as one of India’s finest openers in the ODI format. Alongside Rohit Sharma, he formed India’s second most successful ODI opening pair, following the celebrated duo of Sachin Tendulkar and Sourav Ganguly.
