Virat Kohli posts emotional farewell message for Shikhar Dhawan on his retirement: 'One of India's most...'

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Virat Kohli on Sunday posted an emotional farewell message for his friend and former teammate Shikhar Dhawan, who announced his retirement from all forms of cricket on Saturday, August 24.

Fans were eagerly waiting for Virat Kohli's reaction on Shikhar Dhawan's retirement, and the wait came to an end on Sunday morning. In his heart-warming and emotional post, Kohli recalled Dhawan's sensational Test debut against Australia. Dhawan brought up his hundred off just 85 balls, and finished at 187 off 174 balls.

Kohli also called Dhawan one of India's most dependable opening batter, adding that his legacy will live on. The former India captain also talked about Dhawan's sportsmanship, and his 'trademark smile'.

"Shikhar @SDhawan25 from your fearless debut to becoming one of India's most dependable openers, you've given us countless memories to cherish. Your passion for the game, your sportsmanship and your trademark smile will be missed, but your legacy lives on. Thank you for the memories, unforgettable performances and always leading with your heart. Wishing you the best in your next innings, off the field Gabbar!" Virat Kohli wrote on X about the fellow Delhi batter.

Shikhar Dhawan finished his career as the 10th highest run-scorer for India in ODI cricket. The opening pair of Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan became one of the most successful for India. They scored 5148 runs together in 115 innings at an average of 45.55. Only three more opening pairs in ODI cricket history have scored more runs together.

The southpaw batter made a name for himself with his aggressive batting, and the knack of delivering in ICC events. He was India's highest run-scorer in the ICC Champions Trophy 2013 which India won by beating England. He also emerged as the leading run-scorer for India in 2015 World Cup, and scored the most runs in ICC Champions Trophy 2017. The Delhi-born batter was also the leading run-scorer in Asia Cup 2018.

Overall, the 38-year-old played 34 Tests, 167 ODI and 68 T20Is for India. He scored 2315 runs in Test cricket at an average of 40.61, 6793 runs in ODIs at an average of 44.11, and 1759 runs in T20I cricket at an average of 27.92. Shikhar Dhawan hit seven hundreds in Tests and 17 in ODI format.

Dhawan has represented Delhi Capitals (DC), Mumbai Indians (MI), Deccan Chargers, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) in his IPL career, which has seen him play 222 matches. He is currently the second-highest run-scorer in IPL behind Virat Kohli. He has scored 6768 runs in 221 innings at an average of 35.07 and a strike rate of 127.12. His last IPL outing - which is also his last professional outing - came against SRH in Mullanpur, Chandigarh on April 9.