Shikhar Dhawan: India's Left-Handed Powerplay Specialist
Shikhar Dhawan was one of India's most prolific ODI openers, scoring over 6,000 ODI runs and forming a devastating partnership with Rohit Sharma that produced some of the most dominant opening stands in limited-overs cricket history.
Shikhar Dhawan was one of India's most consistent and entertaining opening batters in white-ball cricket — a left-hander from Delhi nicknamed 'Gabbar' (after the Bollywood villain) who played 34 Tests, 167 ODIs and 68 T20Is for India, scoring 2,315 Test runs and 6,793 ODI runs at an average of 45.28. Born in 1985, Dhawan was a natural attacking batter who used a high backlift and played with freedom and aggression — particularly effective on the on side with powerful drives through mid-on and flicks off his pads. His partnership with Rohit Sharma at the top of India's ODI order was one of the most productive in the format's history — the two complementing each other well, with Dhawan's left-hand/right-hand combination and their shared attacking intent often destroying opposition powerplay bowling. Dhawan's most celebrated innings include a 187 against Pakistan in the ICC Champions Trophy 2015 and a 125 in a World Cup qualifier against West Indies in 2019. He was ICC Champions Trophy player of the tournament in 2013 and scored heavily in ICC events. He was famous for celebrating boundaries by twisting his moustache — a trademark gesture that made him one of cricket's most recognisable personalities.
Rohit-Dhawan Opening Partnership
The Dhawan-Sharma opening partnership was one of ODI cricket's most successful combinations of the 2010s. The two scored multiple century stands together and regularly gave India explosive starts in the powerplay. Their contrasting left-hand/right-hand combination made it difficult for bowlers to settle into a line, and both batters were capable of scoring at high strike rates from the beginning of an innings.
ICC Tournament Record
Dhawan had an outstanding record in ICC tournaments — he scored heavily in the Champions Trophy (2013 and 2017) and World Cup cricket, often producing his best cricket when India needed it most. His 2013 Champions Trophy performance, where he was the leading scorer and player of the tournament, helped India win their first Champions Trophy title.
Frequently asked questions
How many ODI runs did Shikhar Dhawan score?
Dhawan scored 6,793 ODI runs at an average of 45.28 with 17 centuries in 167 ODIs. He formed one of India's most successful opening partnerships alongside Rohit Sharma.
What is Shikhar Dhawan's nickname?
Dhawan is nicknamed 'Gabbar' after the iconic villain from the 1975 Bollywood film Sholay, a name given to him for his imposing on-field presence and aggressive batting style. He is also recognised by his trademark moustache.
Did Shikhar Dhawan score a century on Test debut?
Yes. Dhawan scored 187 off 174 balls against Australia in Mohali in 2013 — the fastest century by a debutant in Test cricket at the time. His debut performance was described as one of the most aggressive and commanding batting displays by a Test newcomer.