Shikhar Dhawan is an Indian cricketer who has made a name for himself as an opening batsman in the Indian national cricket team. He was born on December 5, 1985, in Delhi, India. Dhawan was born into a Punjabi family and was raised in Delhi. He grew up playing cricket and was a natural talent from a very young age.
Early Life and Career
Shikhar Dhawan’s father, Mahendra Pal Dhawan, worked as a contractor and his mother, Sunaina Dhawan, was a homemaker. He has a younger sister named Shreshta Dhawan. Dhawan’s parents were supportive of his interest in cricket from a young age, and he started playing in local tournaments and leagues in Delhi.
Dhawan attended St. Mark’s Senior Secondary Public School in Delhi, where he began to excel in cricket. He played for the school team and also represented Delhi at the Under-16 and Under-19 levels. In 2003, he made his first-class debut for Delhi and soon became a regular in the team.
International Debut
Shikhar Dhawan made his international debut for India in a Twenty20 match against the West Indies in 2011. He didn’t have a great start to his international career, and his performances in the limited-overs format were inconsistent. However, he continued to work hard on his game and was eventually rewarded for his efforts.
Dhawan’s breakthrough came in 2013, when he was selected for the ICC Champions Trophy in England. He scored 363 runs in the tournament, including two centuries, and was named the player of the tournament. This performance helped him cement his place in the Indian team as an opening batsman.
Rise to Stardom
After his impressive performances in the Champions Trophy, Dhawan’s career took off. He scored a century on his Test debut against Australia in 2013, becoming the first Indian batsman to achieve this feat. He followed this up with a series of impressive performances in limited-overs cricket, including a century against South Africa in the 2015 World Cup.
Dhawan’s aggressive style of batting and his ability to score runs quickly made him a fan favorite. He became known for his flamboyant celebrations and his trademark mustache. He was also known for his partnership with fellow opener Rohit Sharma, with the pair becoming one of the most successful opening partnerships in Indian cricket history.
Injuries and Setbacks
Dhawan’s career has not been without setbacks. He suffered a thumb injury during the 2019 World Cup, which forced him to miss several matches. He also suffered a knee injury in 2020, which kept him out of action for several months.
Despite these setbacks, Dhawan has remained committed to his game and has continued to work hard on his fitness and his skills. He has also been involved in various charitable activities and has been a strong advocate for social causes.
Personal Life
Shikhar Dhawan is married to Ayesha Mukherjee, a British-Australian amateur boxer. The couple has a son named Zoravar Dhawan. Dhawan is known for his love of music and dancing and is a regular performer at team events and celebrations.
Conclusion
Shikhar Dhawan is one of the most exciting cricketers to have emerged from India in recent years. His aggressive style of batting, his flamboyant celebrations, and his trademark mustache have made him a fan favorite. He has overcome setbacks and injuries to establish himself as one of the best opening batsmen in Indian cricket history. Dhawan is a role model for young cricketers and is an inspiration to millions of fans around the world.
