Dhawan Retires
End of an Era in Indian Limited-Overs Cricket, In a poignant announcement that reverberated through the Indian cricketing fraternity, Rishi Dhawan has declared his retirement from limited-overs cricket. The 34-year-old all-rounder, a veteran of the domestic circuit and a former Indian international, confirmed his decision on social media following Himachal Pradesh's exit from the Vijay Hazare Trophy group stage.
While Dhawan's international appearances were limited to four matches in 2016 – three One Day Internationals (ODIs) and one Twenty20 International (T20I) – his impact on domestic cricket has been undeniable. His decision to step away from the shorter formats signals a strategic shift, with Dhawan indicating his continued commitment to represent Himachal Pradesh in the prestigious Ranji Trophy. This focus allows him to channel his experience and expertise into first-class cricket, aiming to contribute to Himachal's campaign for a quarter-finals berth in the ongoing season. Currently, Himachal Pradesh holds the second position in Group B.
"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)," Dhawan stated in his heartfelt message. He reflected on his 20-year journey, expressing immense gratitude for the opportunities he received and the memories he created. He extended his appreciation to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA), and the various Indian Premier League (IPL) franchises he represented, including Punjab Kings, Mumbai Indians, and Kolkata Knight Riders.
Dhawan's domestic record speaks volumes about his all-round capabilities. In 134 List A matches, he amassed 2906 runs at an impressive average of 38.23, complemented by 186 wickets at an average of 29.74. His T20 record is equally impressive, with 1740 runs and 118 wickets in 135 matches.
A defining moment in Dhawan's career was leading Himachal Pradesh to their historic Vijay Hazare Trophy victory in the 2021-2022 season. His exceptional performance in that tournament – finishing among the top five run-scorers and wicket-takers – cemented his legacy as a key figure in Himachal Pradesh cricket. It was the first and only domestic title for Himachal Pradesh.
While Dhawan's IPL career saw him represent Mumbai Indians (2013) and Kings XI Punjab (2014-2024), he remained unsold in the recent IPL 2025 mega auction in Jeddah. This could have factored into his decision to retire from the limited-overs format, allowing him to focus on the Ranji Trophy and mentor emerging talents within the Himachal Pradesh squad.