One of the names that comes into our mind when we think of modern Indian cricket is Shikhar Dhawan – the always-smiling southpaw opening batsman, who has won many hearts with his ‘fearless’ cricket, big centuries, and twirling moustache in style. Kit number: Dhawan wears jersey no. 25. Among the many things that characterize Dhawan as a cricketer, one thing that attracted fans to learn more about is his kit number.
So, how did Shikhar Dhawan’s jersey number 25 come about? Why did he choose it? And why is it so important in his life and career? So let’s drill down a bit on the man behind the number and his story – what this number actually means.
The Iconic Jersey Number 25
Every cricketer’s jersey number has its own personal story – it could be about luck, numerology, or even an emotional connection. Shikhar Dhawan got associated with a tendency on the cricket field because of the number 25.
Dhawan has previously donned the number when representing India in international cricket and different franchises of IPL like Delhi Capitals, Sunrisers Hyderabad, and Punjab Kings. With a pin-up batting style and iconic celebration, no one remembers the number 25 as one.
But a few years back, when Shikhar Dhawan wore the Indian Jersey, he was wearing the number 42. Though Sachin is synonymous with number 25, switching to 42 indicates a change in phase as a senior and mentor in Indian cricket. Whether it’s 25 or 42, each number has the telltale energy, passion, and determination of his stamp.
Shikhar Dhawan: A Quick Look at His Cricket Journey
| Category | Details |
| Full Name | Shikhar Dhawan |
| Nickname | Gabbar |
| Born | December 5, 1985 (Delhi, India) |
| Batting Style | Left-handed |
| Role | Opening Batsman |
| Jersey Number (Former) | 25 |
| Current Indian Team Number | 42 |
| International Debut (ODI) | October 20, 2010, vs Australia |
| Test Debut | March 14, 2013 vs Australia |
| T20I Debut | June 4, 2011 vs West Indies |
| IPL Debut | 2008 |
| Major IPL Teams | Delhi Capitals, Sunrisers Hyderabad, Punjab Kings |
| Achievements | ICC Champions Trophy 2013 Golden Bat, multiple ICC tournament centuries, over 10,000 international runs |
The Rise of “Gabbar” and His Connection with Number 25
Loosely translated, the Bollywood villain “Gabbar Sing” was a mean dude who killed for fun, and it stuck with Dhawan. That energy and swagger were his on-field signature.
In time, jersey No. 25 became almost as much a part of his brand as his mustache twirl or the thigh slap with which he would celebrate a strikeout. Every time Dhawan stepped on the field in that number, it was lights, camera, and action for fans – and seldom did he let them down.
The fans’ association with the number 25 is so deep that even changing to number 42 in recent Indian games hasn’t made them drift apart. It is his golden period – the time when Dhawan and Rohit Sharma formed the most feared opening combination in world cricket.
Shikhar Dhawan Jersey Numbers Across Formats and Teams
| Team / Format | Jersey Number | Years Active | Highlights |
| India (ODI) | 25 → 42 | 2010–present | ICC Champions Trophy 2013 Golden Ball winner |
| India (T20I) | 25 → 42 | 2011–present | Scored multiple 50s and helped India dominate early powerplays |
| India (Tests) | 25 | 2013–2022 | Dream debut: 187 runs off 174 balls |
| Delhi Capitals (IPL) | 25 | 2008–2013, 2019–2021 | Key top-order player and consistent performer |
| Sunrisers Hyderabad (IPL) | 25 | 2013–2018 | Helped SRH win IPL 2016 |
| Punjab Kings (IPL) | 25 | 2022–2024 | Became captain and mentor for young players |
The Significance of Jersey Numbers in Cricket
Jersey numbers in cricket are not mere random digits printed on a shirt. They have emotions, memories, and pride. For some, it’s a good-luck charm; for others, a grounding reminder of where they came from.
For instance:
- Virat Kohli sports 18, which is in memory of his late father.
- M S Dhoni sports 7, his date of birth (July 7).
- Rohit Sharma sports 45, a number picked by his mother for luck.
SHIKHAR DHAWAN If number 25 was boundless energy, freshness, and aggression for Dhawan, then the present No.42 shows wisdom, leadership qualities, and balance. And both numbers, in their way, tell the story of Dhawan’s maturation as a player and as a person.
Beyond the Jersey: Dhawan’s Impact on Indian Cricket
His ODI and T20I numbers at the helm are massive, but Shikhar Dhawan’s contribution to Indian cricket is much, much wider. The Rohit Sharma pairing at the top of the order has been among the most successful in ODI history. The pair’s understanding, consistency, and chemistry have provided India with several match-winning starts.
No one performs better than Dhawan in ICC tournaments. He’s someone who has a knack for saving his best for the biggest stage – be it the Champions Trophy or World Cup. An opener with the ability to adjust in challenging conditions is one of the most reliable openers India has ever had.
Off the field, Dhawan’s jolly nature, fitness, and positive social media updates are well-received. And whether through motivating children, or busting a move while dancing out on the field between overs, Sir Garry is the very personification of joy invested in cricket; more than just a game.
Interesting Facts About Shikhar Dhawan and His Jersey
Here are some lesser-known cool facts about the iconic numbers that have been adorned by Dhawan:
- He first took up the number 25 playing domestic cricket early in his career, and it resulted in him using it throughout International Cricket.
- His present Indian team shirt number is 42, which he chose late in his international career.
- He remains synonymous with No. 25, as it covers his prime years from 2013 to 2019.
- He has said previously that he is not one to rely on numbers for luck – but rather, it’s hard work and self-belief that are his game changers.
Plenty of youngsters and fans don the Dhawan 25 jersey in memory of his outspoken career.
Shikhar Dhawan’s Legacy and the Future of No. 25 and 42
With the advent of Shikhar Dhawan, perhaps in his twilight as far as Indian cricket and lucrative IPL is concerned, #25 and #42 are still anywhere, any time, a crore heart can give their all for. Whether opening the innings or guiding unsettled youngsters, these numbers simply remind everyone of the extent and class in him over a prolonged period of time!
Those coming years, when supporters discuss iconic numbers – Sachin’s No. 10, Dhoni’s No. 7 or Kohli’s divisive Number 18 – it is safe to assume that Shikhar’s 25 and his other World Cup number of 42 will be in there. Together, they represent the change in him: from a little scared one to a cool old one.
Final Thoughts
Shikhar Dhawan’s shirt numbers 25&42 are not just random integers, they’re his story, transformation & legacy. From his fearless arrival at 25 to his tracking, guiding role under 42, Dhawan’s rapid evolution is a timely reminder that numbers shift dramatically, but greatness doesn’t.
When you find “Dhawan 25” or “Dhawan 42”, one thing is sure – Gabbar is back!
FAQs
1. What is Shikhar Dhawan’s current Indian team jersey number?
Ans: Shikhar Dhawan’s current Indian team number is 42.
2. What was Shikhar Dhawan’s earlier jersey number?
Ans: He was originally known for wearing the number 25, which became an iconic part of his image.
3. Why did Shikhar Dhawan change his jersey number?
Ans: While Dhawan hasn’t explained the reason, the shift from 25 to 42 may represent a new phase in his cricketing career.
4. Does Dhawan believe in luck or numerology for his jersey number?
Ans: Not strongly. He believes in consistency, hard work, and self-belief more than luck.
5. Which IPL team does Shikhar Dhawan currently play for, and what number does he wear there?
Ans: As of now, Dhawan plays for Punjab Kings in the IPL and continues to wear his trademark number 25.
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