Shikhar Dhawan turns 33: Cricketing fraternity greets 'Gabbar' on his birthday

New Delhi, Dec 5: India cricketer Shikhar Dhawan turned 33 on Wednesday (December 5) and the explosive left-handed batsman was greeted by fellow cricketers and fans on his birthday.

Dhawan, who featured in the T20 International (T20Is) against Australia, was not picked up for India's Test squad that will lock horns with the Aussies in the four-Test series.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) and Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) led in sending birthday wishes to the southpaw. Dhawan at present is enjoying time with his family members in Australia.

This is how Shikhar Dhawan was greeted on social media:

8,482 international runs and counting for India 🇮🇳
The first Indian to score a century before lunch on the first day of a Test 💯
The fastest century scored on Test debut, off just 85 balls v Australia at Mohali in 2013 🔥

Happy birthday @SDhawan25! pic.twitter.com/yehVBENtBP
— ICC (@ICC) December 5, 2018

ICC

ICC greeted the India cricketer on his 33rd birthday in this manner.

Here's wishing #TeamIndia opener and our very own 'Gabbar' @SDhawan25 a very happy birthday 🎂🍰

Relive one of his fine knocks against West Indies #HappyBirthdayGabbar pic.twitter.com/G9o331Renf
— BCCI (@BCCI) December 5, 2018

BCCI

BCCI greeted the left-handed batsman in this manner.

Many happy returns of the day, @SDhawan25! Wishing you a great year ahead. Keep the runs flowing. #HappyBirthdayDhawan pic.twitter.com/VrDzpMlIGk
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) December 5, 2018

Sachin Tendulkar

Indian batting legend and former captain Sachin Tendulkar greeted Shikhar Dhawan on his birthday.

Moochhe hon toh Nathulal jaisi hon, warna Gabbar jaisi hon. Happy Birthday @SDhawan25 ! Aise hi moochon aur bowlers ko ainthte raho. pic.twitter.com/JIhizpf3sR
— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) December 5, 2018

Virender Sehwag

Former India cricketer Virender Sehwag greeted his former teammate on his birthday in the most hilarious manner.

Many more happy returns of the day @SDhawan25 . May you taste more success and experience more love and happiness ! pic.twitter.com/tzGTfeZl0K
— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) December 5, 2018

VVS Laxman

This is how former India cricketer VVS Laxman greeted him on his birthday.

Here's to million more cover drives and cut shots. @SDhawan25 wishing you a very happy birthday. Have a fabulous day today and keep the scoreboards ticking! #HappyBirthdayShikharDhawan pic.twitter.com/vuz1ZfQtKn
— Suresh Raina🇮🇳 (@ImRaina) December 5, 2018

Suresh Raina

This is how India cricketer Suresh Raina greeted his fellow teammate Shikhar Dhawan on his birthday.

Dhawan may not be a part of the Test squad for the Australia series but feels optimistic about his Team India's good show in the four-Test series Down Under, starting December 6 at Adelaide.

"I think we have got a very good chance to win the series here. We have to play good complete cricket in all three departments whether it's batting, bowling or fielding and also catching. We have to be consistent and then we will have a good chance of beating Australia," Dhawan told 'ESPNCricinfo' in an interview.

Dhawan said he felt sad about his omission from the Indian Test side for the Australia series but later 'moved on'. The left-handed Delhi batsman had some poor performances in the longer format of the game in 2018 which cost him his Test spot.

"Yes, I was a bit sad but I have moved on and I am in a good frame of mind. I am in a happy positive mood. I am enjoying my game. I have got a bit off time and I am going to enjoy my training and get myself fitter. I am happy and once I am happy things go well for me," Dhawan, who was adjudged 'Man of the Series' in the recently concluded T20 series, added further.

A veteran of 115 ODIs, Dhawan's form will be crucial to India's success in the 2019 World Cup, which is six months away and for that the southpaw's focus will be on the process.

"I am going to give my best. I am a big believer in process and once I get it right, other things will follow on its own. Of course, we would like to bring the World Cup back home," he exuded confidence.