Credit: X

Credit: X

Former India opener Shikhar Dhawan revealed how life panned out for him post his retirement, while sharing what he is up to after bidding adieu to his cricketing career. Dhawan announced his retirement from all formats of domestic and international on August 24, 2024 at the age of 38. Fondly called ‘Gabbar’ by fans and followers, Dhawan finished with over 10,000 international runs in his career that spanned over 13 years. 

The 40-year-old recently appeared in an interview with PTI, where he revealed how things took turn in his personal life after drawing curtains on his cricketing career. Dhawan revealed that he has become more productive, and is actively looking after his business, while pursuing hobbies and passion for music, spirituality and even golf. Not only this, but the former opener said that his excitement for life is also back.

Also Read | Kohli and Rohit can and should play: Shikhar Dhawan opens up on Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s inclusion in ODI World Cup 2027

"I feel I am way more productive than my playing days. When we used to play, the focus was on matches and recovery. But now I am looking after my businesses, music still is (he plays flute) a big part of my life, I keep learning, it's a soulful hobby. Embracing spirituality is a part of my daily life. I have become big on self-development and a holistic approach to life. I am learning golf, the excitement is back, although less taxing than cricket,” Dhawan told PTI. 

Shikhar Dhawan shares honest take on Ro-Ko for 2027 World Cup 

Shikhar Dhawan also shared his honest take on the legendary duo of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, fondly called Ro-Ko. He opined that the reduced frequency of ODI cricket will not trouble Kohli and Sharma as they gear up for the ODI 2027 World Cup because of their experience and professionalism. Dhawan, who himself played only one format in the latter part of the career, admitted that the flow gets disrupted while playing only one format. 

“Yes, when you play one format at the international level, your flow does get disrupted.” He went on to add that hence, players shift their focus towards maintaining fitness in such phases, especially when there is a long gap between the matches. However, he made it clear that experienced players such as Kohli and Sharma are well-equipped with handling changes. 

“So players focus on fitness because you are not playing too many games. You are talking about Rohit and Virat, and they are matured individuals. It is a challenge but they know how to convert challenge into an opportunity. If you look at their fitness, Virat was always fit but Rohit has undergone tremendous transformation.” 

He added, “Now with the 2027 WC round the corner, they will get to play a lot of ODI matches. If you look at the time when I became a one format player, there were back to back T20 World Cups (2021 and 22) and I was playing ODIs which were few and far between. So matches won't be a problem for Rohit and Virat and there's enough time for the event."

Notably, both Rohit and Kohli are in tremendous ODI form, with the former having scored 650 runs in 14 matches at an average of 50, including two 100s and four 50s previous year. On the other hand, Kohli amassed 652 runs in 13 matches with three 100s, and four 50s.