New Delhi, Dec 5 (IANS) Former India cricketer Shikhar Dhawan celebrated his 39th birthday on Thursday and received warm wishes from his loved ones and fellow Indian cricketers.
On Dhawan’s 39th birthday, his former teammates and friends shared nostalgic and heart-touching messages. Dhawan’s close friend and former teammate Suresh Raina shared several pictures on his Instagram, celebrating their relationship. Along with the pictures, Raina wrote a heart-touching message: “Happy Birthday to the man who brings excitement 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 on his birthday. Sharing a picture of the two together, Harbhajan penned a short and sweet message: “Happy Birthday Jatta”.
Yuvraj Singh, who has played many international matches with Dhawan, also wished his friend all the best. On his Instagram story, the former all-rounder wrote: “Happy Gabbar Day to one of the most fun and down to earth teammates ever! Hope you stay healthy and keep talking with that bat even after retirement.”
India fast bowler Umesh Yadav shared a picture of the two together and wrote: “Wishing Shikhi paaji a very happy birthday! May God bless you with health and happiness, brother.”
Former Indian fast bowler Irfan Pathan wrote, “Many happy birthday wishes to Shikhi Paaji. There is only one person who can enjoy life properly. Sheraaaa.”
Dhawan, who made his debut for India in 2010, has left behind many achievements. He scored over 10,000 international runs across all 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 brilliant 187 runs. In T20, Dhawan scored 1759 runs at a strike rate of 126.36.
Dhawan’s ODI skills were particularly highlighted during India’s 2013 Champions Trophy win, where he won the Golden Bat Award after scoring 363 runs. In the IPL, his consistency showed brilliantly and he became the second highest run-scorer of the tournament 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 behind 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 leading run-scorer in the Under-19 World Cup in 2004.
–IANS
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