Shikhar Dhawan, the veteran Indian cricketer known for his explosive opening partnerships, recently made a surprising confession about his feelings towards young talent Shubman Gill. Dhawan, who retired from international and domestic cricket on August 24, revealed that he experienced jealousy towards Gill, a sentiment he hadn’t previously shared publicly.
Dhawan’s Confession: The Roots of Jealousy
In a candid interview, Dhawan opened up about his emotions during the latter part of his career. He admitted that he felt a pang of jealousy towards Shubman Gill, who emerged as a key player for the Indian team after making his debut in 2019. Gill’s impressive performances, including several centuries in both ODIs and Tests, established him as a rising star and potential successor to Virat Kohli.
Dhawan, who had been a stalwart for the team alongside Rohit Sharma, found himself sidelined as Gill’s profile soared. Despite his own significant contributions, Dhawan struggled to maintain his form and score centuries, which contributed to his feelings of envy. He candidly acknowledged that watching Gill’s rapid rise and success in two formats while he struggled in one was challenging.
A Change of Heart: Support for Gill
Despite his initial jealousy, Dhawan’s respect for Gill is evident. He has publicly supported Gill and advocated for his place in the Indian team. Dhawan praised Gill’s performances and expressed his belief that the young cricketer deserved every bit of recognition he received. This honest admission from Dhawan reflects his sportsmanship and his ability to appreciate the achievements of his peers, even when faced with personal challenges.
Dhawan’s Next Move: Legends League Cricket
Although Shikhar Dhawan has retired from international cricket, he will continue to be seen on the field. Dhawan is set to participate in the upcoming third season of the Legends League Cricket, starting September 20. This league, featuring retired cricketers, will see Dhawan joining the Gujarat team. Fans can look forward to watching Dhawan in action, opening alongside cricketing greats like Chris Gayle.
Dhawan’s transition from an international career to participating in the Legends League showcases his enduring passion for the game. Despite stepping away from the spotlight of international cricket, he remains a significant figure in the sport, continuing to entertain and inspire cricket enthusiasts.
Shikhar Dhawan’s journey from jealousy to admiration and his ongoing involvement in cricket highlight the complexities of professional sports and the personal growth that comes with it.
