Celebrating Shikhar Dhawan: A Look at the Cricket Star's Life on His 40th Birthday
Shikhar Dhawan, the renowned Indian cricketer, celebrates his 40th birthday today. Known for his explosive batting and significant contributions to the Indian cricket team, Dhawan's journey is filled with remarkable achievements. From his record-breaking Test debut to his impressive ODI statistics, this article delves into his life, family, and cricketing milestones. Discover the fascinating details about Dhawan's career and personal life as we honor this cricketing legend on his special day.
| Dec 5, 2025, 10:31 IST
Shikhar Dhawan's 40th Birthday Celebration
Former Indian cricket team opener Shikhar Dhawan is celebrating his 40th birthday today, December 5. Known for his left-handed batting style and occasional right-arm off-spin bowling, Dhawan has made a significant mark in domestic cricket with Delhi and in the IPL with Sunrisers Hyderabad. He is regarded as one of the finest opening batsmen in the world. Let's explore some interesting facts about Shikhar Dhawan's life on this special occasion...
Early Life and Family Background
Shikhar Dhawan was born on December 5, 1985, into a Punjabi Khatri family in Delhi. His father, Mahendra Pal Dhawan, and mother, Sunaina Dhawan, raised him in a supportive environment. On October 30, 2012, he tied the knot with Ayesha Mukherjee in Melbourne. The couple welcomed their son, Zorawar, in 2014. However, after nine years of marriage, they parted ways in 2021.
Shikhar Dhawan's Impressive Statistics
In the One Day International (ODI) format, Shikhar Dhawan has been one of the most reliable openers. His bat has consistently made an impact in this format. He is among only eight batsmen in ODI history to score over 5000 runs with an average exceeding 40 and a strike rate above 90.
One of the most successful chapters of Dhawan's ODI career has been his partnership with Rohit Sharma. Between 2011 and 2022, this opening duo amassed a remarkable 5193 runs together, ranking fifth in the list of the highest runs scored by any pair in ODI cricket. Their partnership is often regarded as one of the most formidable opening combinations in the sport.
Record-Breaking Test Debut
Shikhar Dhawan made a historic entry into Test cricket, setting a record for the fastest century by a debutant. He achieved this remarkable feat by scoring a century in just 85 balls during his first match. This record remains unbroken to this day. In 2013, Dhawan not only played his first Test but also made a significant impact by scoring 187 runs off 174 balls, which included 33 fours and 2 sixes.