Shikhar Dhawan: Complete Cricket Biography
Shikhar Dhawan, fondly known as “Gabbar” for his aggressive batting style and trademark mustache, is one of India’s most successful opening batsmen in limited-overs cricket. With his flamboyant stroke play and consistent performances, Dhawan has been a key player for India in ICC tournaments. This biography covers his early life, education, cricket career, personal life, social media presence, net worth, and unique aspects of his journey.
Shikhar Dhawan Early Life & Education
Birth & Family Background
- Full Name: Shikhar Dhawan
- Date of Birth: December 5, 1985
- Birthplace: Delhi, India
- Parents:
- Father: Mahendra Pal Dhawan (a businessman)
- Mother: Sunaina Dhawan (a homemaker)
- Siblings: Shreshta Dhawan (younger sister)
Education
- Schooling: St. Mark’s Senior Secondary Public School, Delhi
- College: Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University (dropped out to focus on cricket)
Shikhar showed an early interest in cricket and joined the Sonnet Cricket Academy in Delhi, where he was coached by Tarak Sinha.
Shikhar Dhawan Cricket Career
Domestic Career
- Debut: 2004 for Delhi in the Ranji Trophy
- Notable Performances:
- Scored 1,000 runs in a single Ranji season (2007-08)
- Led Punjab Kings (PBKS) in IPL 2023
Shikhar Dhawan International Career
Test Cricket
- Debut: March 2013 vs Australia (scored a record-breaking 187 off 174 balls)
- Key Achievements:
- Fastest century by a debutant in Tests (85 balls)
- Played 34 Tests, scoring 2,315 runs (7 centuries)
Shikhar Dhawan ODI Career
- Debut: October 2010 vs Australia
- Key Achievements:
- Over 6,500 runs in 167 ODIs (17 centuries)
- Won the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy (Golden Bat winner)
- Three-time ICC tournament top-scorer (2013, 2017, 2021)
T20I Career
- Debut: June 2011 vs West Indies
- Key Achievements:
- Over 1,700 runs in 68 T20Is
- Played in multiple T20 World Cups
Indian Premier League (IPL) Career
- Teams Played For:
- Delhi Daredevils (2008–2010)
- Mumbai Indians (2011–2012)
- Sunrisers Hyderabad (2013–2018)
- Delhi Capitals (2019–2021)
- Punjab Kings (2022–present)
- Key Achievements:
- Over 6,500 IPL runs
- Orange Cap winner (2016)
- Led SRH to playoffs in 2018
Recent Career (2023-24)
- Dropped from India’s ODI squad post-2023 World Cup
- Playing for Punjab Kings in IPL 2024
- Exploring opportunities in overseas T20 leagues
Shikhar Dhawan Personal Life
- Marriage & Divorce:
- Married Aesha Mukerji (an Australia-based boxer) in 2012
- Divorced in 2021 due to personal differences
- Children:
- Two sons: Zoravar (from Aesha’s previous marriage, whom Dhawan adopted)
- One daughter: Aliyah (born in 2014)
- Current Relationship Status: Rumored to be dating actress Sapna Gill
Shikhar Dhawan Social Media Handles
Shikhar Dhawan is highly active on social media, engaging with fans through motivational posts and personal updates.
- Instagram: @shikhardofficial (10M+ followers)
- Twitter (X): @SDhawan25 (8M+ followers)
- Facebook: Shikhar Dhawan (5M+ followers)
Shikhar Dhawan Net Worth (2024 Estimate)
- Estimated Net Worth: $15 million (₹120 crore)
- Income Sources:
- BCCI contracts (₹3 crore/year as Grade B player)
- IPL salary (₹8.25 crore with Punjab Kings)
- Brand endorsements (Puma, Dream11, Manyavar, etc.)
- YouTube channel & business ventures
Unique Facts About Shikhar Dhawan
- Nickname “Gabbar”: Inspired by his aggressive batting style, resembling the iconic Bollywood villain.
- Tattoo Enthusiast: Has multiple tattoos, including his son’s name.
- Fitness Freak: Known for his disciplined diet and workout regime.
- Philanthropy: Runs the “Shikhar Dhawan Foundation” for underprivileged children.
- Dancing Skills: Often seen dancing in IPL celebrations.
- Spiritual Side: Follows meditation and yoga regularly.
Conclusion
Shikhar Dhawan’s journey from a young Delhi boy to an Indian cricket star is inspiring. Despite facing ups and downs, his resilience and consistency have made him a fan favorite. Whether in international cricket or the IPL, Dhawan continues to entertain with his batting and charismatic personality.
