Indian all-rounder Rishi Dhawan announced his retirement from the white-ball formats of Indian cricket on Sunday, January 5. Rishi Dhawan’s retirement announcement came after the Himachal Pradesh team was eliminated from the group stage in the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy 2024-25.
Dhawan’s last match was against Andhra in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, where he took two wickets and scored an unbeaten 45* (42) in an eight-wicket win. Previously, he had a less impressive run in the 2024-25 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, where he managed just 89 runs in five innings and took just two wickets.
Rishi Dhawan made his India debut under the captaincy of MS Dhoni
The 34-year-old made his international debut under the captaincy of MS Dhoni during India’s tour of Australia in 2016. He played three ODIs and one T20I. Dhawan scored 12 runs in three ODIs and took one wicket. Dhawan made his T20I debut against Zimbabwe that same year, where he recorded 1/42 in four overs.
Dhawan played 39 IPL matches between 2013 and 2024, representing Mumbai Indians and Punjab Kings. The all-rounder concluded his IPL career with 210 runs and 25 wickets. He scored 4,824 runs in 98 matches and took 186 wickets in List A cricket. Dhawan scored 1,740 runs with 135 T20s and took 118 wickets.
With a heavy heart, though I have no regrets – Rishi Dhawan
Rishi Dhawan took to his official social media to announce his decision and stated that while he has no regrets, walking away from Indian cricket was difficult. He added that the sport has defined his life, giving him immense joy and lasting memories that he will always cherish.
“It is with a heavy heart, although I have no regrets, that I would like to announce my retirement from Indian cricket. It is a sport that has defined my life for the last 20 years. “This game has given me immeasurable joy and countless memories that will always be very close to my heart,” Rishi wrote in a post on Instagram.
I want to take a moment to show my gratitude – Rishi Dhawan
Dhawan expressed gratitude to the BCCI, Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association and various IPL franchises for the opportunities. He also thanked his coaches, mentors, teammates and support staff for shaping his career and life.
“I want to take a moment to show my gratitude for the opportunities given to me by the Board of Control for Cricket in India, Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association, Punjab Kings, Mumbai Indians and Kolkata Knight Riders,” the post added.
“From humble beginnings to representing my nation on the biggest stages, it has been a privilege. Cricket has been my passion and my reason to wake up every morning. I would like to thank all my coaches, mentors, teammates and support . staff for the valuable contributions they have made to making me the person I am today.
“As I embark on this transitional chapter in my life, I am filled with excitement and anticipation. There are countless challenges to conquer, new dreams to pursue, and new opportunities to seize. I am confident that the skills and values that have given me They instilled Cricket will guide me in this next phase.
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