In the colorful and competitive world of cricket, nicknames often reflect a player’s personality, style, or on-field demeanor. One of the most captivating and well-known nicknames in Indian cricket is 'Gabbar', belonging to Shikhar Dhawan. But how did this affable cricketer come to be associated with one of Bollywood’s most iconic villains?
The story goes back to Dhawan's early days in domestic cricket. The moniker 'Gabbar' is a nod to the legendary villain Gabbar Singh from the 1975 Bollywood blockbuster "Sholay." This character, played by Amjad Khan, is one of Indian cinema's most memorable figures, known for his ruthless demeanor and commanding presence.
Dhawan was dubbed 'Gabbar' by his Delhi teammates during a domestic match. His aggressive batting style and the fearless attitude on the field reminded his teammates of Gabbar Singh’s dominance. The name stuck, and Dhawan's cricketing exploits continued to draw parallels with the cinematic icon’s larger-than-life persona.
While playing for Delhi in the Ranji Trophy, Dhawan was known for his feisty attitude and his tendency to sledge the opposition. During a particular match, while stationed at silly point, Dhawan kept up a running commentary, peppering the opposition batsmen with playful barbs. These barbs often included the phrase "Bahut yaarana hai suar ke bacchon"
Dhawan himself revealed why the star batter is known as ‘Gabbar’ across the cricketing world.
In an exclusive interview with SportsTak, Dhawan had said, “I was playing in the Ranji Trophy and was sitting at silly point. When the other team has a big partnership then the players tend to get down. When I was sitting, I used to shout, 'Bahut yaarana hai suar ke bacchon' and everyone used to burst out laughing. Our coach (Vijay) kept my name Gabbar from there only. From there, the name became so famous that cricket fans all over the world now call me Gabbar only”.
'Gabbar' in Action
On the field, Shikhar Dhawan's performances have often lived up to the 'Gabbar' moniker. With his aggressive left-handed opening batting, Dhawan has been a cornerstone of the Indian cricket team in all formats of the game. His standout moments, like his fastest-ever Test century on debut in 2013 or his crucial knocks in ICC tournaments, exemplify the fearless approach that 'Gabbar' signifies.
Shikhar Dhawan's track record
Shikhar Dhawan's international career has been a tale of both brilliance and waiting for his turn. The southpaw made his ODI debut in 2010 but initially struggled for consistent opportunities due to the presence of legends like Virender Sehwag and Sachin Tendulkar at the top of the order.
However, when the chance arrived, Dhawan grabbed it with both hands. His Test debut in 2013 against Australia was a historic moment, as he smashed the fastest Test century by an Indian batsman in just 85 balls. This knock set the tone for a successful Test career, with Dhawan amassing seven centuries in the longer format.
Dhawan's true dominance lies in ODIs. He boasts an impressive average of 44.11 with 17 centuries and 39 fifties across 167 matches. His contributions were instrumental in India's victories at the 2013 and 2017 ICC Champions Trophy tournaments, where he finished as the leading run-scorer on both occasions (363 runs and 338 runs respectively).
Dhawan has also been a consistent performer in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Across 222 matches, he has accumulated 6769 runs at a healthy average of 35.26. He last played for India in 2022 against Bangladesh.
Dhawan's career trajectory reflects his determination and ability to capitalize on opportunities. While he may have faced initial hurdles, he carved his niche as a reliable and explosive opener, etching his name in the record books with his phenomenal performances in both Tests and ODIs.
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