All-rounder Rishi Dhawan has brought down the curtains on his Indian limited-overs career on Sunday (January 5). He took to his Instagram account to announce his decision after the conclusion of the group stage of the Vijay Hazare Trophy (VHT) 2024-25.
Dhawan made his white-ball debut for Himachal Pradesh in a T20 game in April 2007. Soon, he represented the state across the other two formats as well. The 34-year-old took part in a total of 269 white-ball games (134 List A and 135 T20) and scored 7,730 runs and took 304 wickets.
One of his finest career achievements was leading Himachal to their maiden VHT title in 2021-22. During the season, he smashed 458 runs and scalped 17 wickets.
The veteran all-rounder played 39 IPL games and contributed 210 runs and scalped 25 wickets. His international debut came against Australia in January 2016. However, Dhawan could only feature in three ODIs and a solitary T20I, while scoring 12 runs and taking a single wicket.
Himachal Pradesh captain Rishi Dhawan managed to end the VHT 2024-25 with 196 runs and three wickets in seven appearances. In his last appearance on Sunday, Dhawan slammed an unbeaten 45* and finished with figures of 2/34 to help the side win by eight wickets against Andhra Pradesh. However, they finished fourth in their respective group and bowed out of the tournament.
Here’s what Dhawan posted on Instagram:
“It’s with a heavy heart, even though I have no regrets, that I’d like to announce my retirement from Indian cricket (Limited over). It’s a sport that has defined my life for the past 20 years. This game has given me immeasurable joy and countless memories that would always stay very close to my heart,” Dhawan wrote on a social media post.
“I want to take a moment to show my gratitude towards the opportunities that were given to me by Board of Control of Cricket in India (BCCI), Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA), Punjab Kings, Mumbai Indians and Kolkata Knight Riders.
“From humble beginnings to representing my nation on the grandest stages, it has been a privilege beyond measure. Cricket has been my passion, and my reason for waking up every morning.
“I would like to thank all of my coaches, mentors, teammates, and support staff for the valuable contributions you have made to shaping me into the person I am today.”
How has Rishi Dhawan fared in first-class cricket?
Making his first-class debut in 2009, Rishi Dhawan has gone on to emerge as a formidable force for Himachal Pradesh. In 98 first-class games, he has garnered 4,824 runs and bagged 353 wickets. As per his post, the 34-year-old is likely to play red-ball cricket at least till the completion of this year’s Ranji Trophy.
So far, Dhawan is the second-highest run-scorer for the side in the 2024-25 edition of the Ranji Trophy with 397 runs and also picked 11 wickets. His finest red-ball knock of 195 off 318 came against Andhra Pradesh, which helped the side to win by an innings and 38 runs.
Himachal Pradesh is currently at the second spot in their respective group with three wins in five games. If they are able to win both their remaining games, they are likely to make it to the quarter-finals. Certainly, skipper Rishi Dhawan will be the key player to make it happen for the team.
FAQs
Which IPL teams did Rishi Dhawan represent?
MI & PBKS
Who was the only dismissal of Rishi Dhawan in international cricket?
Zimbabwe’s Chamu Chibhabha
