December 6, 2023 07:01:31 booked.net

Happy Birthday Shikhar Dhawan: 6 Things you might know about Indian Opener Shikhar Dhawan

India's Shikhar Dhawan plays a shot during the first one day international (ODI) cricket match of a three-match series between India and Australia at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on January 14, 2020. (Photo by Punit PARANJPE / AFP) / IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE

1. Shikhar Dhawan Wanted To Become A Wicketkeeper

Dhawan’s coach Tarak Sinha once said in an interview that the Delhi dasher wanted to become a wicketkeeper.

“Shikhar always had the talent but more than anything had the guts. Not many people know that he was a wicketkeeper when he first came under my guidance. I realized he is special when as a 12-year-old, he scored a hundred in a U-15 school tournament.”

2. Shikhar Dhawan Was On The Verge Of Leaving The Game

Dhawan’s coach Tarak Sinha was so disappointed that he was on the verge of leaving the game. But, Mr. Sinha, who started coaching Shikhar when he was just 12 years old, kept him motivated to do better.

3. Player Of The Tournament

 Shikhar Dhawan was named player of the tournament in the ICC World Cup U19 2003-04. In that tournament, Dhawan scored 505 runs at an average of 84.16 with three hundred to his credit.

4. Opening Partnership With MS Dhoni

During the Challenger Trophy 2005, Shikhar Dhawan opened the batting for India Seniors with MS Dhoni. Dhawan, who was just 19 years old at that time, played with a lot of flamboyance and formed a massive partnership with Dhoni.

5. Nicknames

Shikhar Dhawan is called jaat-ji by many of his teammates. Also, another popular nickname is Gabbar, the famous villain of the Bollywood flick Sholay.

6. India Masters

Before making his international debut, Dhawan played for India Masters even before he had played for India. In a Tsunami Relief Tournament in Abu Dhabi in May 2005, he played alongside many big names from Pakistan.