Amit Kumar
NEW DELHI: Team India faced a humbling 0-3 series defeat against New Zealand on home soil, marking the first time the hosts have been swept by a visiting team in 24 years. This significant loss has also dealt a blow to India’s World Test Championship Final chances, as they now must secure victories in four of the five Tests in Australia to qualify for the title clash – without needing help from others.
Despite India’s struggles in the recent home series, former opener Shikhar Dhawan remains optimistic about Rohit Sharma‘s ability to lead India to victory in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
India previously clinched consecutive Test series wins in Australia, first under Virat Kohli’s leadership in 2018-19 and then under Ajinkya Rahane in 2020-21. Now, with Rohit at the helm, they will be aiming for a historic third straight series win on Australian soil.
The much-anticipated series begins on November 22, with the first Test set in Perth. The second Test, scheduled from December 6 to 10, will be a day-night contest at the Adelaide Oval. The series then moves to The Gabba in Brisbane for the third Test, from December 14 to 18. The iconic Boxing Day Test at Melbourne Cricket Ground will be the fourth Test, held from December 26 to 30. The fifth and final Test match will take place in Sydney from January 3.
TimesofIndia.com caught up with Dhawan, a veteran of 34 Tests, 167 ODIs, and 68 T20Is, to discuss his post-retirement life, the 2025 Champions Trophy, Rohit’s role in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, his recent meeting with Rishabh Pant, and much more.
How has retirement been treating you? Do you feel you stepped away from the game sooner than expected?
For the last couple of years, I wasn’t playing much international cricket. I was active in the Indian Premier League (IPL), but I felt like I was getting rusty. I lacked motivation, especially for domestic cricket, which I had played for many years. I started my Ranji Trophy career when I was just 17 or 18. At this age, I didn’t feel the drive to continue playing domestically. I knew a comeback to international cricket wasn’t likely because there’s a natural age limit to a career, and I had crossed that threshold.
Whenever selectors choose a team, they’re always looking toward the future. They don’t only consider current scenarios but think about what lies ahead. New talent is coming up and being prepared to represent India for the next 10 years. I’m content with what I’ve achieved in international cricket. I knew the gap had become too wide. It wasn’t that I couldn’t play more, but I didn’t have the same confidence as someone who plays regular cricket. I didn’t want to train for months just to play in the IPL and then sit out again. Of course, I’ve gained immense experience in my field.
There’s pressure too. I felt that pressure because I wasn’t playing throughout the year, but then had to perform in a major tournament like the IPL. I realised it was the right time to call it a day. I could have continued for another year or two, but I preferred to step away now. It felt like the right time to move on and hang up my boots.
Fans will surely miss the iconic ‘Thigh Five’ …
shikhar dhawan unbelievable catch | Gabbar
I’m really grateful to fans and everyone who loved my ‘Thigh Five.’ I’ll miss it too, but I’m now playing in various leagues and enjoying this new chapter in my career.
You’ve shined in ICC tournaments over the years. What’s your standout memory from those performances?
I have so many memories close to my heart, especially in ICC tournaments. The 2013 Champions Trophy stands out. I vividly remember scoring a century in my comeback match against South Africa in Cardiff on a seaming wicket. Rohit and I put up a solid opening stand, and I went on to score a century. That was a huge moment for me. I also remember my century against the West Indies in that tournament. And, of course, I’ll never forget the dance celebration after we won the title—I was doing bhangra, and Virat was dancing to ‘Gangnam Style.’ Those are unforgettable memories.
shekhar dhawan smashes his maiden odi century | icc champion trophy 2013
I also performed well in the 2015 World Cup and the 2017 Champions Trophy, winning the Golden Bat twice in both Champions Trophies. Another memorable innings was my last World Cup match in 2019, where I scored a century despite injuring my hand while batting on 25. That innings will always be close to my heart because I played it through immense pain with a broken hand.
With India fresh off a 2024 ICC T20 World Cup victory, the focus now shifts to next year’s ICC Champions Trophy. How do you assess India’s chances of adding another trophy to the cabinet?
We have a strong chance to win the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy. We just won the T20 World Cup and reached the final of the 2023 ODI World Cup. The team is in excellent form and rhythm. With Gautam Bhai as coach, and under the guidance of Rahul Bhai, we’ve done really well. We have a great mix of seniors and youngsters, which is crucial.
After a disappointing series loss to New Zealand at home, India head to Australia for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Do you think we’re in a position to complete a hat-trick of series wins in Australia?
I believe we have a solid chance to bag a hat-trick of title wins in Australia. We’ve done exceptionally well in the last two series there. I’m sure the team will go to Australia with a positive, winning mindset. Rohit, Virat, and even Bumrah have played extensively in Australia, and they’ll share their experiences with the younger players. This new generation is confident, motivated, and eager to perform. They’ve established themselves quickly on the international stage, which is a tremendous advantage for us in Australia. And though pace is always a challenge there, our batters are well-prepared to handle it.
Since his car accident in 2022, what changes have you noticed in Rishabh Pant, both on and off the field?
Jab banda maut ke muh se bach ke aata hai to uska dekhne ka nazaria hi badal jata hai (When a person returns after escaping the jaws of death, their perspective on life completely changes). I haven’t experienced anything like Rishabh’s accident myself, but his gratitude toward life has deepened. Imagine not being able to move, eat, or even go to the toilet independently for months. It’s unimaginable what he must have gone through. But what’s amazing about Rishabh is his positivity. When I visited him, he was lying in bed with a huge smile on his face. That’s the spirit of Rishabh Pant. That’s why he’s back on the field, performing brilliantly. He’s mentally stronger now, and he appreciates life in a new way. He’s developed these high-vibrational qualities. He’s always been carefree, and I’m sure that will stay with him for life.
During the New Zealand series, he was heard saying ‘mujhe kya pata tha ye hindi bol payega‘ (How was I supposed to know he could even speak Hindi). That’s just Rishabh being Rishabh—completely himself, full of confidence and self-belief. The way he hit that six off Tim Southee was remarkable. He brings so much joy and excitement to fans and everyone who watches him.