Veteran batsman Shikhar Dhawan, who led India to many cricketing victories, announced his retirement from all forms of the game today. In an emotional post on X, he said, “I stand at a crossroads where looking back, I see only memories, and looking ahead, I see a new world. My goal was to play for India, and I achieved it. I am grateful to many people: my family, my childhood coaches, Tarak Sinha ji and Madan Sharma ji, under whom I learned cricket, and my entire team with whom I played for so many years. I have a family, fame, and your love. But as they say, to move forward in the story, it’s important to turn the pages. And that’s what I’m going to do. I am announcing my retirement from international and domestic cricket.”

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Dhawan began his international cricket journey in 2010 and played his last game in 2022. He played 34 Tests, 167 ODIs, and 68 T20 tournaments in a career span of over a decade. He also played 222 IPL matches for Punjab, Mumbai, and Delhi.

Dhawan said, “As I bid goodbye to my cricket journey, I feel at peace that I played for my country. I am thankful to BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) and DDCA (Delhi and District Cricket Association) for giving me the opportunity, and to my fans for showering me with so much love. I tell myself, don’t be sad that you won’t play for India again; be happy that you did. And that’s the most important thing for me.”

While his decision may have upset many of his fans and colleagues in the cricketing fraternity, Dhawan will know himself best when to quit or whether his body would allow him to stay competitive with much at stake in the game. Since physical fitness is paramount in sports, age can be a decisive factor for retirement, especially for tasks that demand the highest fitness level.

Here are three key takeaways from his retirement:

Plan For Retirement:

Most people depend on a single source of income. However, in sports and a few other careers, people can also earn from endorsements. So, one can use that money to create another income source before retiring. In the case of Dhawan, he has set up the Shikhar Dhawan Foundation and Da One Sports, an entrepreneurial venture to impart sports training. He also hosts a TV talk show, “Dhawan Karenge”, where he chats with Bollywood and cricket celebrities. So, before bidding farewell to cricket, he has created these avenues to earn and keep himself engaged.

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Be Open to Experiment:

Dhawan has a clear vision of the future and what he will do. He wants to create wealth for himself and others engaged in his ventures. He says he is open to anything that can fulfil his vision, whether business, entertainment, or politics. So, retirement isn’t an obstacle for those who are raring to venture out of their comfort zones. However, unlike Dhawan, not all people may be willing to take risks after retirement. Still, a clear vision is key to turning dreams into reality.

Spirituality And Social Connection:

In an interview with the Hindustan Times, Dhawan revealed that he listens to his internal spiritual calling, which helped him gain a new perspective on life. He says that if a tree branch breaks, the bird finds another one to sit on, comparing it to the many opportunities and options waiting for him to explore. He also likes to stay connected with his fans on social media. Apparently, for Dhawan, retirement is not an end but a new beginning.