Tracking 'destroyer' Dhawan's cricketing journey

Tracing the rise of Indian cricket's newest sensation.

Indian Premier League chief Rajiv Shukla, on Saturday, congratulated left-hand opener Shikhar Dhawan for his outstanding knock in his debut game against Australia, in the third Test, in Mohali.

"He is the biggest discovery for the Indian cricket team. It also augurs well for the future of Indian cricket. Dhawan and (Cheteshwar) Pujara have successful careers in International cricket," said the Congressman.

Delhi lad Dhawan scored the fastest ton for a debutant in Test cricket, notching his century off just 85 balls.

He is now on course to become the first Indian to score a double ton on debut. In the course of his innings he also surpassed the legendary Gundappa Vishwanath (137) to become the highest Indian run-getter on debut.

Dhawan milked the Australian bowlers to all parts of the ground and his ton was studded with 21 boundaries.

The dashing opener first played for India in the Under-14 World Cup, where he was the leading run-scorer. His aggregate of 505 runs from seven innings is a record for a single Under-19 World Cup. He got his runs at a whopping average of 84.16, with three centuries, and was named the Player of the Tournament.

His successful run continued when he made his Ranji debut for Delhi in 2004-05, finishing as the team's leading run-getter with 461 runs.

Dhawan is a consistent performer for Delhi since -- as his average of nearly 45 indicates. He played a pivotal role in the team's Ranji title triumph in 2007-08, scoring 570 runs in eight games.

He made his ODI debut against Australia in Vizag in October 2010 after several senior players were rested. He opened the innings in the run-chase. He did not score off the first ball, and was bowled off the next by Clint McKay.