India’s fast-bowling all-rounder Rishi Dhawan announced his retirement from limited-overs cricket on Sunday, marking the end of a distinguished domestic career. The 34-year-old from Himachal Pradesh made the decision public after his team failed to qualify for the knockout stages of the 2024–25 Vijay Hazare Trophy.
In an emotional post shared on Instagram, Rishi wrote, “It’s with a heavy heart, even though I have no regrets, that I’d like to announce my retirement from Indian cricket. This game has given me immeasurable joy and countless memories that will always stay very close to my heart.”
Rishi Dhawan, who made his international debut in 2016, represented India in three ODIs and one T20I, all in the same year. In ODIs, he scored 12 runs at an average of 12.00 and picked up one wicket. In his sole T20I against Zimbabwe, he managed one run and one wicket.
Despite limited opportunities on the international stage, Dhawan was a stalwart in domestic cricket. He played a crucial role for Himachal Pradesh, particularly in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, where he was the team’s second-highest run-scorer this season with 397 runs at an impressive average of 79.40, alongside 11 wickets at 28.45.
Reflecting on his journey, Rishi expressed gratitude to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA), and the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchises he represented: Punjab Kings, Mumbai Indians, and Kolkata Knight Riders. “From humble beginnings to representing my nation on the grandest stages, it has been a privilege,” he wrote.
In the IPL, Rishi showed his skills as an all-rounder, playing for some of the league’s biggest franchises. Though his international career was brief, his contributions to Indian domestic cricket have been significant, and he is widely regarded as one of the finest cricketers to emerge from Himachal Pradesh.
Rishi’s retirement comes after a stellar season, demonstrating his consistent performances and commitment to the game. While he has stepped away from limited-overs cricket, he has not yet indicated plans for his involvement in the sport moving forward, either in coaching, commentary, or other roles.
“Cricket has been my passion and my reason for waking up every morning,” Rishi said in his farewell post, leaving fans and teammates reflecting on his unwavering dedication to the game.
