Shikhar Dhawan's Top Five Knocks

Former Indian opener Shikhar Dhawan's top five knocks, with his trademark moustache twirl and infectious smile, has been one of India’s most beloved and consistent across all formats.

His career has been marked by a series of remarkable innings that not only showcased his skill and temperament but also played pivotal roles in many of India's victories. And on the day of Shikhar Dhawan’s heartfelt retirement announcement, we decided to reminisce about five of his greatest knocks during his illustrious 14-year career. So, let's take a closer look at five of his greatest innings that define the essence of his batting brilliance. 

1) 187 on Test Debut Against Australia (March 2013, Mohali) 

Cricket fans will never forget the day when Shikhar Dhawan announced himself on the international stage with a bang. Making his Test debut against Australia in March 2013, Dhawan scored a sensational 187 off just 174 balls. This knock remains one of the most remarkable debut innings in the history of Test cricket. 

What made this innings so special wasn’t just the sheer number of runs but the way he got them. Dhawan faced a formidable Australian bowling attack, featuring the likes of Mitchell Starc and Peter Siddle, with complete disdain. His stroke play was a mix of elegance and aggression, as he peppered the boundary ropes with a flurry of cuts, pulls, and drives. The way he effortlessly transitioned from defense to attack had the Aussies reeling and left the crowd in Mohali in complete awe. 

This innings also cemented Dhawan’s place in the Indian Test side, showing that he was not just a limited-overs player but someone who could adapt and excel in the longer format. It was a dream debut, and it set the tone for what was to come in his international career. 

2) 114 Against South Africa (June 2013, ICC Champions Trophy, Cardiff) 

Just a few months after his Test debut, Dhawan produced another gem, this time in the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy. Playing against a formidable South African side in Cardiff, Dhawan smashed an unbeaten 114, leading India to a comprehensive victory in the group stage. 

This innings was a masterclass in pacing an ODI knock. Dhawan started cautiously, respecting the likes of Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel, but once he got his eye in, he unleashed an array of strokes that left the South African bowlers helpless. His ability to find the gaps and rotate the strike ensured that the pressure never built on India, and once he crossed fifty, Dhawan shifted gears effortlessly. 

His 114* not only showcased his ability to anchor the innings but also his knack for finishing games—something that’s often underrated in ODI cricket. India went on to win the Champions Trophy, and Dhawan’s consistent performances throughout the tournament earned him the Golden Bat as the leading run-scorer. 

3) 137 Against South Africa (February 2015, ICC World Cup, Melbourne) 

Fast forward to the 2015 ICC World Cup, and once again, South Africa found themselves at the receiving end of a Shikhar Dhawan special. In a crucial group-stage match at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), Shikhar Dhawan played a stellar knock of 137, guiding India to a massive total of 307/7. 

This innings was significant for several reasons. First, it came under pressure, as India had struggled against South Africa in the past, particularly in ICC tournaments. Second, it was a statement of intent from Dhawan, who had been under scrutiny for his form leading into the World Cup. 

Dhawan took his time to settle in, but once he did, the South African bowlers had no answer to his fluent stroke play. He was particularly severe on the spinners, dancing down the track and lofting them with ease over the infield. His century was the backbone of India’s innings, and his partnerships with Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane ensured that India posted a challenging total. 

India’s win in this match was pivotal in setting the tone for their campaign, and Dhawan’s knock was the standout performance that day. It was a reminder of his ability to rise to the occasion on the world’s biggest stage. 

4) 117 Against Australia (June 2019, ICC World Cup, London) 

Shikhar Dhawan’s 117 against Australia during the 2019 World Cup was a knock that perfectly encapsulated his flair and big-match temperament. On a bright day at The Oval, Dhawan walked out with Rohit Sharma to face an Australian side that was riding high on confidence. But Dhawan, as he so often does in ICC tournaments, rose to the occasion in spectacular fashion. 

From the very beginning, Dhawan looked in sublime touch. He was aggressive without being reckless, capitalizing on every scoring opportunity the Australian bowlers offered. His footwork was precise, and he timed the ball beautifully, sending it racing to the boundary with the elegance that only Dhawan can bring to the crease. 

What made this innings so special was the way Shikhar Dhawan handled Australia’s pace attack. Faced with the likes of Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins, Dhawan played with a calm assurance, mixing caution with aggression. He wasn’t afraid to take on the short ball, and his pull shots were a joy to watch. But it was his trademark cover drives that truly lit up the Oval, each one a masterclass in timing and placement. 

Dhawan’s century was not just a personal milestone; it set the foundation for India’s imposing total of 352/5. His partnership with Rohit Sharma, worth 127 runs, was crucial in nullifying Australia’s early threat. Even after Rohit’s departure, Dhawan kept the momentum going, anchoring the innings with poise and precision. 

Unfortunately, Dhawan’s heroic knock came at a cost. He was struck on the thumb by a rising delivery from Starc, an injury that would later rule him out of the tournament. But in that moment, Dhawan’s 117 was a statement—a reminder of why he’s one of India’s most dependable players in global tournaments. 

5) 95 Against Australia (October 2013, ODI Series, Jaipur) 

The match, played at Jaipur, was a high-scoring affair where India needed to chase down a mammoth target of 360 set by Australia. The pressure was immense, but Dhawan thrived in the heat of the moment, delivering an innings that nearly took India over the line. 

Opening the innings with Rohit Sharma, Dhawan started cautiously, aware of the daunting target ahead. However, it didn’t take long for him to shift gears. He unleashed a flurry of boundaries, combining power with finesse, and soon had the Australian bowlers on the back foot. His shots through the off-side were particularly eye-catching, as he drove and cut with the confidence of a man in prime form. 

What made this innings stand out was Dhawan’s ability to control the pace of the chase. He rotated the strike efficiently, kept the scoreboard ticking, and ensured that the required run rate never spiraled out of control. His partnership with fellow opener Rohit Sharma, worth 176 runs, was the backbone of India's chase and put immense pressure on the Australian bowlers. 

Dhawan’s innings ended agonizingly close to what would have been a well-deserved century, dismissed for 95. Despite missing out on the ton, his contribution was crucial in keeping India in the hunt until the very end. Though India eventually won the match, it was Dhawan's brilliant 95 that set the stage for the thrilling chase. 

Also Read: Veteran Batsman Shikhar Dhawan Announces Retirement From International and Domestic Cricket