New Delhi: Former India cricketer Shikhar Dhawan celebrated his 39th birthday on Thursday and received heartfelt wishes from his loved ones and fellow Indian cricketers. Dhawan’s 39th birthday saw his former teammates and friends reminiscing old memories and sharing heartwarming messages. Dhawan’s close friend and former teammate Suresh Raina shared several pictures on his Instagram, celebrating their bond. Along with the pictures, Raina wrote a heartwarming message: “Happy birthday to the man who brings passion and fun on the pitch. Your fearless batting and charming smile inspire millions. Have a great year ahead!”
Senior off-spinner Harbhajan Singh also took to Instagram story to wish his fellow cricketer a happy birthday. Sharing a picture of the two together, Harbhajan penned a short and sweet message: “Happy birthday Jatta”. Yuvraj Singh, who has played several international matches with Dhawan, also wished his friend. On his Instagram story, the former all-rounder wrote: “Happy Gabbar Day to one of the funniest and down to earth teammates! Hope you stay healthy and keep doing that bat talking even after retirement.”
India pacer Umesh Yadav shared a picture of the two together and wrote: “Happy Birthday to Shikhi paaji! May God bless you with health and happiness, bhaiya.” Former India pacer Irfan Pathan wrote, “Happy Birthday to Shikhi paaji. There is only one guy who can enjoy life properly. Sherraaaa.”
Dhawan, who made his debut for India in 2010, has left behind a lot of achievements. He has scored over 10,000 international runs across formats, including 6793 ODI runs at an impressive average of 44.11 and a strike rate of 91.35. His Test debut against Australia in 2013 was unforgettable, scoring a century in 85 balls – the fastest century by a debutant – and eventually scoring a majestic 187. In T20s, Dhawan scored 1759 runs at a strike rate of 126.36.
Dhawan’s ODI prowess came to the fore especially during India’s 2013 Champions Trophy win, where he scored 363 runs to win the Golden Bat award. In the IPL, his consistency paid off and he became the tournament’s second-highest run-scorer with 6,769 runs.
In 34 Tests, he scored 2315 runs at an average of 40.61 and in 68 T20s, he scored 1759 runs at a strike rate of 126.36. Dhawan has represented Delhi Capitals, Mumbai Indians, Deccan Chargers, Sunrisers Hyderabad and Punjab Kings in the IPL, where he is the second-highest run-scorer after Kohli. He scored 6769 runs in 222 matches at a strike rate of 127.14.
In domestic cricket, Dhawan’s early years coincided with Ranji Trophy success for Delhi; he was part of the title-winning team in 2007–08, when Delhi defeated Uttar Pradesh at the Wankhede. He was also the highest run-scorer in the Under-19 World Cup in 2004.
