Shikhar Dhawan, the dynamic Indian opener, amassed 24 centuries in his illustrious international career.
Shikhar Dhawan's Century Count in Detail
A century in cricket signifies a batsman scoring 100 runs or more in a single innings, a significant milestone showcasing skill, temperament, and endurance. Shikhar Dhawan achieved this remarkable feat 24 times across the various formats of international cricket. His centuries were predominantly scored in One Day Internationals (ODIs) and Test matches, where his aggressive yet elegant style frequently saw him dominate opposition bowlers.
Breakdown of Shikhar Dhawan's International Centuries
Dhawan's 24 international centuries are distributed across different formats, highlighting his adaptability and consistent performance as a top-order batsman for India.
| Format | Number of Centuries | Key Role |
|---|---|---|
| One Day Internationals | 17 | Opening batsman |
| Test Matches | 7 | Opening batsman |
| Twenty20 Internationals | 0 | Aggressive hitter |
| Total | 24 | Prolific scorer |
His dominance in ODIs, with 17 centuries, makes him one of India's most successful openers in the format. These innings often provided strong foundations for India's victories, characterized by his fluent stroke play and ability to accelerate the scoring rate.
Notable Aspects of Dhawan's Centuries:
- Test Debut Century: Shikhar Dhawan holds the record for the fastest century by a debutant in Test history, scoring 187 off just 174 balls against Australia in Mohali in 2013.
- ICC Tournament Prowess: He has an exceptional record in ICC tournaments, particularly the Champions Trophy and World Cup, where he consistently delivered centuries and match-winning performances.
- Aggressive Starts: Many of his centuries were scored at a rapid pace, setting up big totals for the team, especially in limited-overs cricket.
Impact and Legacy of Dhawan's Centuries
Shikhar Dhawan's centuries were pivotal to India's success in numerous matches and tournaments over the years. As a left-handed opening batsman, he provided a crucial balance at the top of the order, often forming formidable partnerships with right-handed counterparts like Rohit Sharma. His ability to score big and quickly made him a vital asset, particularly in white-ball cricket, where his contributions earned him several Man of the Match and Man of the Series awards.
His career, marked by these 24 international hundreds, solidifies his position as one of India's most impactful opening batsmen of his era. For more detailed statistics and career information, you can refer to his profile on reputable cricket websites like ESPNcricinfo.
