Shikhar Dhawan

Lore & Background

When Delhi Daredevils lifted the IPL trophy in 2008, the young Shikhar Dhawan was already carving his name into the franchise's identity. Playing alongside the legendary Yuvraj Singh at the top, Dhawan brought a raw, unapologetic aggression that complemented Yuvraj's elegance. Together they formed one of the most feared opening partnerships in early IPL history, and their chemistry was a cornerstone of Delhi's first championship. The 2012 season cemented Dhawan's legend. His rapid century against Mumbai Indians at Eden Gardens—where he dismantled a strong attack with a whirlwind of boundaries—became one of the most replayed innings in IPL lore. That season Delhi went on to defeat Chennai Super Kings in the final, and Dhawan's contributions throughout the tournament were a reminder that the Hitman could deliver when the pressure was highest. His 2012 campaign is still cited by Delhi fans as the peak of the franchise's attacking cricket. Through 2013, 2014, and 2015, Dhawan remained a consistent presence in the Delhi top order, his six-hitting ability a reliable source of quick runs in powerplay overs. Though the team's title drought continued after 2012, his presence in the dressing room and his ability to take the game to bowlers kept the franchise's identity intact. When he departed for Kolkata in 2016, Delhi fans marked the end of an era—the era of the Hitman in the blue and gold.

In Their Own Story

The Eden Gardens crowd was already loud before the first over, but the moment Dhawan stepped to the crease in that 2012 evening, the noise shifted into something almost reverent. The Mumbai Indian bowler came in, full and fast, and the Hitman simply turned his wrists. The ball sailed over long-on before the fielder could even lift his eyes. A murmur rolled through the stands. Then another shot, then another. By the time he reached fifty, the Delhi supporters in the away section were on their feet, scarves flying. The century came not with a roar but with a quiet, almost casual flick to third man—and the stadium exhaled as one. He walked back, bat raised, the blue-and-gold jersey already soaked. Delhi would win that night. But everyone in that ground knew the real story was already written in the scoreboard.

Reader's Guide

Shikhar Dhawan joined the Delhi Daredevils for the inaugural IPL season in 2008 and remained with the franchise through 2015, serving as the team's designated opening batsman and primary power-hitter in the top order. His most celebrated contributions came in the 2008 and 2012 title-winning campaigns. In 2008, batting alongside Yuvraj Singh, he helped build the attacking foundation that carried Delhi to their first IPL trophy. In 2012, his rapid century against Mumbai Indians at Eden Gardens became a landmark IPL innings, and his consistent powerplay scoring throughout that season was instrumental in Delhi's second title over Chennai Super Kings. Dhawan's style—aggressive, intent on the big hit from the first ball—gave Delhi a distinct identity in the powerplay overs. He was the player fans called upon when the score needed to accelerate, and his ability to clear the boundary repeatedly made him a crowd favourite in Delhi's home matches at Feroz Shah Kotla. After the 2015 season, Dhawan moved to Kolkata Knight Riders, ending his eight-year association with the Delhi franchise. His legacy in the blue and gold remains that of a fearless opener who embodied the attacking spirit the club was built around.

Did You Know?

• Dhawan's 2012 century against Mumbai Indians at Eden Gardens is widely regarded as one of the most iconic individual innings in IPL history and is still a staple of highlight reels.
• He was part of both of Delhi's IPL title-winning squads (2008 and 2012), making him one of the few players to feature in both of the franchise's championship seasons.
• His nickname 'Hitman' reflects his reputation for attacking the ball aggressively from the very first delivery, a trait that defined Delhi's powerplay strategy during his tenure.
• Dhawan's opening partnership with Yuvraj Singh in the early IPL seasons is often cited by fans as one of the most entertaining top-order combinations in the tournament's history.