Former India opening batter Shikhar Dhawan has candidly opened up about the emotional turmoil he experienced during the 2018 Indian Premier League mega auction. Reflecting on his time with Sunrisers Hyderabad, the veteran left-hander admitted that he was deeply heartbroken when the franchise used the Right to Match card to secure his services for a significantly reduced price.
Dhawan, who retired from international and domestic cricket in 2024 after accumulating 6,768 runs across 222 tournament appearances, explained that his valuation dropped to Rs 5.2 crore despite earning Rs 12.5 crore in the preceding 2017 season with the same team. The veteran revealed that he felt he deserved a much higher bracket due to his peak form and consistent match-winning performances for the Indian national team.
Auction Disappointment And Honest Conversations
- Auction Valuation Drop: Dhawan was bought back for Rs 5.2 crore after previously earning Rs 12.5 crore with Sunrisers Hyderabad.
- Peak International Form: The left-handed opener believed his stellar performances for India warranted a valuation between Rs 10 crore and Rs 12 crore.
- Clearing the Air: Then head coach VVS Laxman approached Dhawan during the tournament to address his visible frustration, leading to an extensive discussion.
- Strong Bounce-Back: Despite the early season setback, Dhawan responded on the field by scoring over 500 runs to finish as the team’s highest run-scorer as they reached the final.
Overcoming Past Frustrations
Addressing the emotional friction, Dhawan noted that while the initial news was difficult to digest, he managed to channel his energy into his performances. He had a lengthy and open conversation with coach VVS Laxman, who noticed that something was bothering the star batter. Dhawan successfully put the financial disappointment behind him to guide the franchise deep into the tournament.
Looking back at his illustrious career spanning from the inaugural 2008 season to his final stint captaining Punjab Kings in 2024, Dhawan emphasized that he harbors zero regrets about any of his past choices. Although his perspective and maturity have evolved significantly since those tense auction moments, the former opener values the overall journey and the lessons learned throughout his remarkable cricketing tenure.
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