“When Ishan Kishan Scored 200, I Knew My Time Was Up”: Shikhar Dhawan Reflects on ODI Exit Without Regrets

Behind the trademark smile and celebratory thigh-slaps lies a sharp cricketing mind—one that helped Shikhar Dhawan become one of India’s most successful white-ball openers.

But beyond the boundaries and scoreboards, Dhawan’s ability to read the room, assess situations, and gracefully navigate both glory and rejection defines his unique journey—a story he now tells in his newly launched autobiography, The One.

The Breakthrough: 2013 and the Test Debut Dream

Dhawan’s early international career didn’t begin with fireworks—just 69 runs in his first five ODIs and a forgettable T20I. But as the careers of stalwarts like Sehwag and Gambhir began to fade, Dhawan sensed an opening. And he seized it spectacularly in March 2013, slamming the fastest century on Test debut (85 balls) against Australia in Mohali.

“I used to visualise that I’m scoring centuries for India before I even made my debut,” Dhawan told Hindustan Times. He finished with 187, stunning the Aussies and redefining his role in the team.

Red-Ball Inconsistency and the England Disappointment

Though he showed flashes of brilliance in Tests—like his 115 in Auckland and gritty 81 in Brisbane—Dhawan struggled to find consistency in red-ball cricket, particularly in England.

“I couldn’t perform in certain countries like England… I tried my best. But my best wasn’t good enough,” he said, reflecting on the 2018 tour that effectively ended his Test career.

T20I Fade-Out: “I Knew My Name Wouldn’t Be There”

Despite scoring 1,759 runs at a strike rate of 126.36 in T20Is, Dhawan wasn’t picked for the 2021 T20 World Cup. Still, he saw it coming.

“I could sense it. I never asked anyone why my name wasn’t there,” he said. “Even if I had, they’d have their perspective, and I’d have mine—it wouldn’t change anything.”

ODI Exit: The Format He Dominated

ODIs were Dhawan’s stronghold. Player of the Tournament in the 2013 Champions Trophy, top scorer for India in the 2015 World Cup, and again a standout in 2017. His partnership with Rohit Sharma is among the best in Indian cricket history. And yet, he was left out of the 2023 World Cup squad.

Did he deserve a better send-off? Dhawan doesn’t sulk.

“When Ishan [Kishan] scored that double hundred [in 2022], an inner voice told me, ‘This could be it.’ And that’s what happened.”

No Farewell Calls, No Regrets

Surprisingly, few from the team reached out after his omission. “Maybe Rahul Bhai messaged me… but that’s normal,” Dhawan said, unfazed. “We’ve been through this since Under-14.”

Peace with the Journey

Now retired from all formats, Dhawan looks back with contentment. “At the time, I felt I could’ve got more chances. But now I’m happy. Life brings you what it’s meant to.”

As he flips through The One, he grins, “It’s a very interesting book. When you read it, you’ll have a smile on your face.”

And much like his career, it promises to be candid, graceful, and honest—traits that define Shikhar Dhawan, both as a cricketer and a person.