The true "GABBAR" of Indian cricket: From Virender Sehwag to Gautam Gambhir, who said what on Shikhar Dhawan's retirement

Suresh Raina, Virender Sehwag, and Shikhar Dhawan pose for a photo

Former India opener Shikhar Dhawan announced his retirement from all forms of cricket on Saturday, thus bringing an end to an exceptional career. A product of New Delhi’s Sonnet Club, Dhawan began his cricketing journey with Delhi U-16 in the 1999 Vijay Merchant Trophy. And eleven years later Dhawan made his international debut, which was against Australia in 2010. In an international career spanning for well over a decade, Dhawan was part of many glorious chapters with the Indian cricket team, also winning prestigious titles and awards during the course. The left-handed batter was also one of the team’s leading figures at ICC events, and won consecutive golden bats at ICC Champions Trophy 2013 and 2017. He also topped the charts among Indian batters in the 2015 ODI World Cup, where India managed a semi-final finish.

Dhawan broke the news of his retirement earlier in the morning, following which wishes from his past colleagues and many ex-cricketers have poured on social media.

As I close this chapter of my cricketing journey, I carry with me countless memories and gratitude. Thank you for the love and support! Jai Hind! pic.twitter.com/QKxRH55Lgx
Shikhar Dhawan (@SDhawan25) August 24, 2024

BCCI on Dhawan's retirement shared: "As Shikhar Dhawan retires from International and Domestic cricket, we wish him all the very best for the road ahead"

As Shikhar Dhawan retires from International and Domestic cricket, we wish him all the very best for the road ahead @SDhawan25 | #TeamIndia pic.twitter.com/nH5DVTHraP

— BCCI (@BCCI) August 24, 2024

Meanwhile, ex-India players Suresh Raina, Virender Sehwag, among others also joined the bandwagon. Here is how the cricket fraternity reacted to Dhawan’s retirement...

Congratulations Shiki on a fantastic career! I know you will spread the same joy through everything you take up in the future! @SDhawan25 pic.twitter.com/yE3mQjKXj5
Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) August 24, 2024

A man for the big tournaments. Never got the plaudits he deserved but knowing him he didn't care who got the applause as long as team was winning. A team man through and through. Congratulations on a stellar career and all the best for your second innings @SDhawan25 pic.twitter.com/Y4fMBbIIfR Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) August 24, 2024

An incredible journey comes to a close. Shikhar Dhawan, you've been a true inspiration on and off the field. You will always be the the true "GABBAR" of indian cricket. Best wishes for your new innings! #ShikharDhawan #CricketLegend #Retirement #Gabbar" pic.twitter.com/ofdMig8Ij7
(@MdShami11) August 24, 2024

10,000 runs for Team India! What a fabulous career, Shera @SDhawan25 As I told you, life is just beginning now. Well done, and welcome to the retired players club! pic.twitter.com/JsFoLHFSiL Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) August 24, 2024

Badhaai ho Shikkhi. Ever since the time you replaced me in Mohali, you didnt look back and some top performances over the years. May you continue to have fun and live life to the fullest. Very best wishes always. https://t.co/jHvfLAhp14
Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) August 24, 2024

Congratulations @SDhawan25, on a remarkable career filled with countless milestones! It was an absolute pleasure sharing the dressing room with you, brother. Wishing you all the best for your future endeavors. Onwards and upwards! #legend https://t.co/0WfLs18cWa Suresh Raina (@ImRaina) August 24, 2024

Jatt ji, congratulations on an incredible journey in our beautiful game! Thank you for being a guiding light and a big brother both on and off the field. Wishing you the best in your next chapter! pic.twitter.com/DHkvFGfsD5
Ishant Sharma (@ImIshant) August 24, 2024

As we see the start of one young and exciting lefties career last night, today we see the end of another older lefty legend.A rare breed are southpaws, treasured goods.Congratulations to both!Happy retirement my dear friend Shikar, youve been a superstar Dale Steyn (@DaleSteyn62) August 24, 2024

Dhawan has been previously honoured with the prestigious Arjuna Award for his remarkable contribution in cricket. If we switch focus to the Indian Premier League (IPL), Dhawan is the second highest run-scorer in the cash-rich league and had won the coveted title with Sunrisers Hyderabad back in 2016.

Meanwhile, sharing insights on future plans, Dhawan in a chat with Hindustan Times said he will focus on growing his business further, before adding he is open to explore new opportunities, which includes entertainment and politics.