Virat Kohli on Shikhar Dhawan's retirement: Former India skipper Virat Kohli shared an emotional tribute to his long-time teammate and friend, Shikhar Dhawan, following the latter's retirement from international and domestic cricket.
On Sunday (August 25) morning, Kohli took to X to post a heartfelt note on social media, expressing how much he will miss Dhawan's 'trademark' smile on the field.
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Kohli's heartfelt tribute for Shikhar Dhawan has since gone viral, touching fans and followers alike. The duo have been playing together since their junior cricket days, making Dhawan's retirement the end of a remarkable era in Indian cricket.
"Shikhar @SDhawan25 from your fearless debut to becoming one of India’s most dependable openers, you’ve given us countless memories to cherish. Your passion for the game, your sportsmanship and your trademark smile will be missed, but your legacy lives on. Thank you for the memories, unforgettable performances and always leading with your heart. Wishing you the best in your next innings, off the field Gabbar!," Kohli wrote on social media.
Virat Kohli and Shikhar Dhawan were integral to Indian cricket across all formats until the mid-2010s. The duo played 221 international matches together, scoring a combined total of 20,780 runs.
Both Kohli and Dhawan were known for their dominant presence on the field and their aggressive style of play. Their formidable partnership was especially evident during the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy, where they played a key role in helping India secure the title with their brilliant opening stands.