'A team man through and through': Plaudits pour in for Dhawan

The cricket fraternity hailed Shikhar Dhawan's infectious positivity and unshakable team spirit while emotional fans remembered his iconic thigh-five celebrations and thanked 'Gabbar' for his inspirational cricketing journey that ended on Saturday.

Dhawan, a premier top-order ODI batter in the post Sachin Tendulkar, Virender Sehwag and Sourav Ganguly era, announced his retirement two years after his final appearance in the national team.

He featured in 34 Tests, 167 ODIs and 68 T20Is.

A player of the tournament in the ICC U19 World Cup triumph in 2004, Dhawan made steady progression and made a low key ODI debut in 2010.

It was Sehwag whom Dhawan had replaced and the explosive opener of his times from Najafgarh led the tributes.

'Badhaai ho Shikkhi. Ever since the time you replaced me in Mohali, you didn't look back and some top performances over the years. May you continue to have fun and live life to the fullest. Very best wishes always,' posted Sehwag.

His former India teammate and current head coach Gautam Gambhir also wished him happy retirement.

'Congratulations Shiki on a fantastic career! I know you will spread the same joy through everything you take up in the future,' wrote Gambhir.

'10,000 runs for Team India! What a fabulous career, Shera @SDhawan25! As I told you, life is just beginning now. Well done, and welcome to the retired players' club!' Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan wrote on X.

'An incredible journey comes to a close. Shikhar Dhawan, you've been a true inspiration on and off the field. You will always be the true "GABBAR" of indian cricket. Best wishes for your new innings!' Mohammed Shami wrote on X.

Indian cricketers Hardik Pandya and Shreyas Iyer also wished him well.

'Only the best for you Shikhi paa. Congratulations on a wonderful career,' Hardik Pandya wrote in his Instagram story.

'Congratulations @shikhardofficial paa. All the best for what the future holds for you', wrote Shreyas.

Indian spin wizard and former coach Anil Kumble posted: 'Congratulations on a fantastic career, @SDhawan25! Wish you the best for the next chapter. Happy retirement!'

The Indian Cricket Board (BCCI) also congratulated the left-handed batter: 'As Shikhar Dhawan retires from International and Domestic cricket, we wish him all the very best for the road ahead.'

Unmukt Chand who started his career in India but now represents the United States, wrote a heartfelt message for the former India opener.

"Congrats Jatt ji @shikhardofficial on an incredible and illustrious career. I vividly remember my debut match for Delhi and opening with you at the Kotla. It was a dream come true and I have enjoyed every moment with you on and off the field. Your energy, passion and humour is unmatched and you make every person feel special.

'From the newest kid on the team to the senior most player, you gel with everyone so well. I have learnt enormously from you. You are a gem of a person and needless to say your contribution to Indian cricket has been phenomenal. Your play has been a statement and much impactful.

'I wish you all the very best in whatever you do in this next phase. I am sure it is going to be Dabangful and Dhawanful. Look forward to seeing you soon. Best wishes and congrats once again," Chand wrote on Instagram.

Former India batter and National Cricket Academy head VVS Laxman said Dhawan was not just a great cricketer but also a good person off field.

'Many congratulations Shikhar on a fantastic career. The thing I loved about Shikhar apart from the fact that he was a fabulous cricketer, was the person that he was, always amicable and looking at the positives in every situation. Wish you all the best @SDhawan25 in the journey ahead," he wrote.

Congratulating him on a stellar career, former Test opener Wasim Jaffer recognised Dhawan's team spirit and impactful performances in big tournaments.

"A man for the big tournaments. Never got the plaudits he deserved but knowing him he didn't care who got the applause as long as team was winning. A team man through and through. Congratulations on a stellar career and all the best for your second innings," wrote Jaffer.

"Congratulations @SDhawan25, on a remarkable career filled with countless milestones! It was an absolute pleasure sharing the dressing room with you, brother. Wishing you all the best for your future endeavors. Onwards and upwards!," posted Suresh Raina.

Tributes also poured in from across the border with former Pakistan opener Saeed Anwar hailing Dhawan's hard work and other qualities.

"Your hard work, determination, quality cricketing skills, and great human being will always be remembered; thank you, boy, and wishing you all the best for the next career ahead," wrote Anwar.

Sharing an old video of Dhawan's, English umpire Richard Kettleborough wrote it's "a must watch video. One of the most elegant left-hand opening batters from India. Happy retirement Dhawan."