Shikhar Dhawan’s Most Impactful Test Performances for India

Shikhar Dhawan, known for his aggressive batting and flair in limited-overs cricket, also made a significant impact in the longer format of the game. Although his Test career wasn’t as lengthy as some of his peers, Dhawan’s contributions were memorable and often game-changing. Here, we look at his most impactful Test performances, highlighting his ability to dominate the opposition with a blend of skill and audacity.

190 against Sri Lanka

Dhawan’s highest score in Test cricket came during India’s tour of Sri Lanka in 2017. Playing at the picturesque Galle International Stadium, Dhawan unleashed a batting masterclass, scoring 190 off just 168 balls. His aggressive approach, marked by a strike rate of 113.09 and 31 boundaries, set the tone for India’s dominant performance in the series.

Opening the innings, Dhawan’s blitzkrieg laid the foundation for India’s massive first-innings total of 600. His quick scoring allowed the team to maintain pressure on the Sri Lankan bowlers, who struggled to find any rhythm. This knock was not just about runs; it was about setting a tempo that the Sri Lankans could never match. 

187 against Australia

Shikhar Dhawan’s Test debut was a blockbuster hit, as he smashed 187 off 174 balls against Australia in 2013, leaving Aussie bowlers spinning like they were on a carnival ride!

Dhawan’s innings were a masterful display of aggression and finesse. His strokeplay was mesmerizing, with boundaries effortlessly coming off his bat, even against top bowlers like Mitchell Starc and Peter Siddle. This debut performance set a new benchmark, as he recorded the fastest century by a debutant in terms of balls faced.

173 against Bangladesh

In 2015, Dhawan and the Fatullah pitch had a love fest, as he piled on 173 runs, while Murali Vijay added 150. Together, they turned the scoreboard into a carnival, helping India declare at 462/6.

Dhawan’s innings was characterized by his trademark aggressive style, but it also displayed his ability to play a long innings. Despite his brilliant knock, the match ended in a draw due to rain, but Dhawan’s performance stood out as a testament to his ability to adapt and thrive in different conditions.

134 against Sri Lanka

Galle seems to have been a favorite hunting ground for Dhawan, as he registered another impressive century there in 2015. Scoring 134 off 271 balls, Dhawan played a crucial role in helping India post a competitive total of 375 in response to Sri Lanka’s first-innings score of 183.

Dhawan’s dazzling 173 and Virat Kohli’s stylish 103 had India flying high, but the second innings turned into a rollercoaster, ending with a 63-run defeat despite their earlier fireworks.

119 against Sri Lanka

Dhawan’s third century of the 2017 Sri Lanka tour came during the third Test at Pallekele. India, batting first, amassed an impressive total of 487, with Dhawan making a swift 119 off 123 balls. His innings combined aggression with precision, leaving the Sri Lankan bowlers struggling from the outset.

This knock, along with Hardik Pandya’s explosive 108, ensured that India had a huge total to defend. The Indian spinners then took over, with Kuldeep Yadav and Ravichandran Ashwin dismantling the Sri Lankan batting lineup twice in quick succession. India won the Test by an innings and 171 runs, completing a 3-0 series whitewash.

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