In a heartfelt moment of reflection, Shikhar Dhawan’s girlfriend Sophie Shine recently took to Instagram to share a rare and emotional throwback—an old newspaper clipping dating back to 2002, highlighting the young left-hander’s early exploits in the Cooch Behar Trophy. The cutting featured Dhawan’s impressive century for the Delhi U19 side against Punjab U19 at the iconic Feroz Shah Kotla, now known as the Arun Jaitley Stadium, in Delhi.
The Instagram story, simply captioned “There’s a throwback,” offered fans a nostalgic glimpse into Dhawan’s formative years, when he was already showing signs of the batting brilliance that would eventually define his international career. His 104-run knock in that domestic U19 match laid the foundation for what would become a stellar cricketing journey.
Shortly after his domestic heroics, Dhawan earned a place in the India U19 squad for the 2004 ICC U19 World Cup in Bangladesh. He made his mark on the global stage during this tournament. Dhawan emerged as the highest run-scorer in the competition, amassing 505 runs in seven innings, including three centuries and a half-century. Despite his phenomenal individual performance, India fell short in the semifinals, losing to eventual champions Pakistan U19 under the leadership of Dinesh Karthik.
Dhawan’s cricketing destiny continued to unfold with unwavering momentum. In October 2010, he made his senior India debut in an ODI against Australia. Over the next 14 years, he became a staple in India’s white-ball setup, revered for his aggressive yet graceful stroke play, especially in ICC tournaments.
The southpaw scored 10,867 runs in 288 international innings across formats, featuring multiple match-winning knocks and memorable centuries. One of the most cherished highlights of his career was his performance in the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy. Dhawan topped the run charts with 363 runs in five matches, playing a crucial role in powering India to victory in the tournament.
After serving Indian cricket with distinction for years, Shikhar Dhawan bid farewell to all forms of international and domestic cricket on August 24, 2024. His retirement closed a remarkable chapter—one defined by elegant strokeplay, unwavering commitment, and a charismatic presence that lit up the game both on and off the field.
The resurfacing of the 2002 newspaper clipping by Sophie Shine has not only stirred fond memories but also served as a poignant reminder of how far Dhawan has come—from a teenage sensation at Kotla to an international cricketing icon. It encapsulates the journey of a cricketer who turned raw potential into enduring legacy, leaving an indelible mark on Indian cricket.
