In a heartfelt tribute, Virat Kohli lauded Shikhar Dhawan, affectionately known as "Gabbar," as the Indian cricket legend announced his retirement from all forms of cricket. Dhawan, one of India’s most successful and dependable openers, has decided to hang up his boots, bringing an end to a remarkable career that spanned over a decade.

Virat Kohli has now taken to his official X profile to wish Dhawan. Kohli shared the dressing room with Dhawan in the Indian team as well as with their state team, Delhi. Alongside Rohit Sharma, Dhawan and Kohli formed a formidable batting trio in white-ball formats, which dominated for a large part of the 2010s. Kohli called Dhawan one of the “most dependable openers,” and thanked him for his unforgettable performances.

Shikhar Dhawan made his international debut in 2010 and quickly established himself as a key player for India. Known for his aggressive style of play and distinctive moustache twirl, Dhawan became a fan favorite. His ability to perform in high-pressure situations, especially in ICC tournaments, earned him the nickname "Gabbar" among fans and teammates alike. Dhawan's cricketing journey is adorned with numerous accolades. He was the fastest Indian to reach 1,000 runs in One Day Internationals (ODIs) and played pivotal roles in India’s successes in the ICC Champions Trophy in 2013 and 2017. Over his career, Dhawan scored more than 6,000 runs in ODIs and over 1,600 runs in Test cricket, with 24 international centuries to his name.

With his retirement, India loses not just a great player but also a leader and a mentor to many young cricketers. The memories of his swashbuckling innings, his signature celebration, and his role in India’s triumphs will continue to inspire future generations of cricketers.