The last twirl: Shikhar Dhawan and the moustache that enchanted fans

New Delhi: Shikhar Dhawan, with his trademark moustache twirl and broad smile, was a sight to behold every time he stepped onto the cricket field. His retirement marks the end of a chapter in Indian cricket that was written in bold strokes, much like his batting.

For over a decade, Dhawan was more than just an opening batsman—he was the embodiment of fearless cricket, a player who didn’t just play the game but lived it with every run, every shot, and every celebration.

From his early days in domestic cricket, it was clear that Dhawan was special. He wasn’t just another talented batsman; he was an artist with the bat, crafting innings with a mix of aggression and elegance that was uniquely his own.

When he finally made his international debut in 2010, the world got a glimpse of the sheer talent that had been waiting in the wings. But it wasn’t until 2013 that Dhawan truly announced himself on the global stage.

It was in Mohali In his very first Test innings that Dhawan dismantled a formidable Australian attack with a knock that will be remembered for generations. His 187 was rather a spectacle—a breathtaking display of strokeplay that left bowlers and fans alike in awe. Fastest Test century on debut—85 balls, a record that still stands—was more than just a statistic. It was a statement. Dhawan had arrived, and he was here to stay.

Dhawan had a penchant for the big stage. When it came to ICC tournaments, there was something about the pressure and the global spotlight that brought out the best in him.

The 2013 ICC Champions Trophy was his canvas, and he painted it with masterful strokes of brilliance. Leading India’s charge with the bat, Dhawan not only topped the run charts but also played a pivotal role in India’s unbeaten run to the title. His opening partnership with Rohit Sharma went on to become one of the most successful in ODI history.

In the 2015 World Cup, Dhawan was once again at his imperious best. His century against South Africa, where he dismantled a world class bowling attack with ease, is etched in the memories of cricket fans. It wasn’t just the runs he scored, but the way he scored them—effortlessly pulling and driving the likes of Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel, making them look ordinary on a stage where they were supposed to be the protagonists.

Dhawan’s journey was not without its challenges. The dips in form, the criticisms, the injuries—he faced them all with the same smile and resolve that defined his approach to the game. His fighting century in Auckland in 2014 in testing conditions was a testament to his resilience.

And none can forget his brave 117 at The Oval in the 2019 World Cup, played with a fractured thumb against a fierce Australian attack. That innings, ultimately his last in an ICC tournament, summed up Dhawan’s spirit —never backing down, always rising to the occasion.

But Dhawan was more than just his on-field exploits. Off the field, he was a character—always cheerful, always approachable. Whether it was his infectious energy during team celebrations or his playful antics with teammates, Dhawan brought a sense of joy to the Indian dressing room. He was a senior figure who led by example, showing younger players that cricket is not just a game of skill, but also of character and heart.

His contribution to Indian cricket goes beyond the runs and the records. He was a player who played with his heart on his sleeve, who gave his all for the team every time he stepped on the field. He was a man who made the game look beautiful, who made fans believe that with hard work and a little bit of flair, anything was possible.

Dhawan’s legacy will live on in the memories of those who watched him play, in the records he set, and in the inspiration he provided to countless young cricketers.

Dhawan, the artist of the cricket field, has signed off, leaving behind a masterpiece that will be admired for years to come.