Retired Shikhar Dhawan recalls his best ODI knock, says 'I just downed a painkiller and continued batting'

Delhi-born left-handed batters Shikhar Dhawan is one of the finest white-ball openers to play for India. Dhawan joined forces with Rohit Sharma to torment oppositions. The 38-year-old after retiring from all forms of cricket revealed his best knock of ODI career. He battled pain to score a century against the mighty Australians in ICC ODI World Cup 2019. 
 

“Then there was the 2019 ODI World Cup innings at the Oval against Australia. I was playing at 25 runs when that happened. I just downed a painkiller and continued batting. I made 117 of 109 balls in that inning and was the player of the match. I’m thankful to my captain, MS Dhoni, for backing me,” Dhawan told Hindustan Times. 
 

In the league stage game, Dhawan's century helped India post a daunting total of 352/5. Australia lost the match by 36 runs as opener David Warner, Steve Smith and Alex Carey's half-centuries went in vain.

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Dhawan was clueless about Test record on debut

Dhawan's best Test knock against Australia as well. On the back of performances in white-ball cricket, he got his debut Test cap in 2013. Against Australia, he scored 187 runs. He reached his century from just 85 balls, the fastest for a Test debutant. India won the game in Mohali by six wickets and Dhawan was named 'Player of the match'.
 

“My Test debut in 2013, where I made 187 against Australia. When I made a century in 85 balls, I had no clue that I had set a world record for the fastest century by a debutant,” the southpaw said.
 

Interestingly, Dhawan made his international debut in an ODI series against Australia. However, he did not make a mark straight away and got out for a two-ball duck. 

 

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Dhawan at ease after retiring

The 38-year-old is happy to retire from all forms of cricket and does not have any regrets.
 

“Nothing at all. I achieved 100% of my potential. I played all three formats — Test, ODI and T20 for my country and gave my best. I feel complete, I am at ease now,” the former Punjab Kings (PBKS) captain said.
 

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