Indian cricketing legend Shikhar Dhawan, who made his debut in 2010, has recently stunned fans with a candid revelation about his relationship with current Indian vice-captain Shubman Gill. After a remarkable 12-year span in international cricket, Dhawan announced his retirement from both international and domestic formats on August 24, marking the end of an era for him. Following his retirement, Dhawan opened up about his feelings of jealousy towards Gill, a confession that left many surprised. In this article, we delve deeper into Dhawan’s insights and the reasons behind his jealousy.
What Led to Dhawan’s Jealousy Towards Gill?
Shikhar Dhawan was a stalwart of the Indian team, particularly known for his remarkable partnerships with Rohit Sharma that led India to numerous crucial victories, especially in ICC tournaments. However, his prominence began to decline after Shubman Gill arrived on the scene in 2019. Gill quickly made a mark with his talent and impressive performances, gaining a spot in the limited-overs team and later becoming a regular member of the Test squad in 2020. With several centuries to his name, Gill was often hailed as the successor to stalwart Virat Kohli.
Declining Role of Dhawan in the Team
As Gill’s star rose, Dhawan slowly found himself sidelined from the team. His last few outings were not up to his previous standards, and he struggled to find form, often falling short of scoring centuries. In a revealing admission post-retirement, Dhawan expressed that his feelings of envy towards Gill emerged from the latter’s early success in establishing himself across two formats while he remained confined to just one. While Dhawan had to settle for fifties, Gill was on the path to becoming a top player, which added to his sense of inadequacy.
Acceptance and Support
Despite the jealousy, Dhawan later acknowledged Gill’s exceptional performances and advocated for giving him more opportunities on the field. This acknowledgment from ‘Gabbar’, as Dhawan is fondly known, resonated well with fans who appreciated his honesty and sportsmanship. Many were genuinely moved by the transparency with which Dhawan expressed his feelings, showcasing a side of professional athletes that is often left unspoken.
Upcoming Ventures for Dhawan
Though Dhawan has hung up his international boots, cricket enthusiasts need not be disheartened. He is set to feature in the upcoming season of the Legends League Cricket, starting on September 20. This league, which includes six teams comprising retired cricketers, promises to showcase Dhawan’s talents once more. Notably, he is set to represent the Gujarat team and may open the innings alongside the explosive Chris Gayle. Fans eagerly await to see how Dhawan adapts to this new format and competes against other legends of the game.
