India and Himachal Pradesh fast-bowling allrounder Rishi Dhawan has announced his retirement from Indian limited-overs cricket. The 34-year-old ends his international career with four caps, three in ODIs and one in T20Is, all earned in 2016. The announcement has come after the conclusion of the group stage of the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy.
Dhawan's retirement announcement specified limited-overs cricket, which suggests he will carry on playing first-class cricket at least for the remainder of the ongoing Ranji Trophy season. Himachal are currently second in Group B of the competition, and are in the running for a quarter-finals spot. Dhawan has played all five of Himachal's matches so far this season, and is their second-highest run-getter with 397 at 79.40, and has picked up 11 wickets at 28.45.
"It's with a heavy heart, even though I have no regrets, that I'd like to announce my retirement from Indian cricket (Limited over). It's a sport that has defined my life for the past 20 years. This game has given me immeasurable joy and countless memories that would always stay very close to my heart," Dhawan wrote on a social media post.
"I want to take a moment to show my gratitude towards the opportunities that were given to me by Board of Control of Cricket in India (BCCI), Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA), Punjab Kings, Mumbai Indians and Kolkata Knight Riders.
"From humble beginnings to representing my nation on the grandest stages, it has been a privilege beyond measure. Cricket has been my passion, and my reason for waking up every morning.
"I would like to thank all of my coaches, mentors, teammates, and support staff for the valuable contributions you have made to shaping me into the person I am today."
Dhawan picked up 186 wickets at an average of 29.74 and scored 2906 runs at 38.23, including a hundred, in 134 List A matches. in 135 T20s, he took 118 wickets at an average of 26.44 and an economy rate of 7.06 and notched up 1740 runs at a strike rate of 121.33. His career highlights included leading Himachal to their maiden Vijay Hazare Trophy title in 2021-22.
He also became the first player in the competition's history to finish among the top five run-getters and the top five wicket-takers in the same season. Dhawan finished as the second-highest run-getter with 458 runs in 2021-22, and the second-highest wicket-taker with 17, all across eight matches. For Himachal, it was their first and only title of any kind in domestic cricket.
In the IPL, Dhawan represented Kings XI Punjab (2014-2024) and Mumbai Indians (2013), picking up 25 wickets and scoring 210 runs in 39 games.