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Xtra Time Web Desk: Shikhar Dhawan's India debut in 2010 may not have been a dream start, and neither is his retirement in 2024. But what he achieved in those 14 years is nothing short of remarkable. From a debut duck to becoming one of India's most prolific white-ball batters, Dhawan has carved a unique legacy. As a key member of India's batting trinity alongside Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, Dhawan's contributions have sometimes been overshadowed by the 'Ro-Ko' frenzy, especially since his last appearance for India was nearly two years ago. Yet, as long as Dhawan was at the crease, he was one of India's mainstays, consistently delivering extraordinary performances.

As Dhawan's India career concludes, here’s a look at some of the innings that define the legend of Shikhar 'The-One'.

187 vs Australia, Mohali 2013

Seventeen Indian batters have scored a century on Test debut, but Dhawan's achievement is in a league of its own. Replacing Virender Sehwag, Dhawan's dream debut could have turned into a nightmare when Mitchell Starc's first delivery slipped out of his hand and hit the stumps at the non-striker's end, with Dhawan outside his crease. He could have been run out for a duck without facing a ball, but no appeal was made. What followed was a demolition job by the 27-year-old against one of the greatest Test teams of all time.

Dhawan smashed the fastest century on Test debut, reaching the milestone in just 85 balls, as he dismantled the Australian bowling attack. In response to Australia’s strong first innings total of 408, Dhawan led India's charge with a breathtaking knock that left a trail of records in its wake. His innings featured 33 fours and 2 sixes, ending 13 runs shy of a double century, but not before he had etched his name into the record books.

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114 vs South Africa, Cardiff 2013

June 6, 2013, marked the beginning of something special as Dhawan and Rohit Sharma opened the innings together for the first time, setting the foundation for one of the most feared opening partnerships in ODIs. Dhawan, playing his first ODI in three years, was in scintillating form. He and Rohit added 127 runs for the opening wicket, the first of their 18 century partnerships.

Despite some luck, including misfields and a missed stumping by AB de Villiers, Dhawan capitalized on his chances. He switched gears after Rohit's dismissal, and his aggressive batting helped India secure a 26-run victory in the Champions Trophy opener.

98 vs New Zealand, Wellington 2014

Though he missed out on a century by two runs, Dhawan's innings in Wellington was as valuable as any hundred. After New Zealand were bowled out for 192, India found themselves in trouble at 24/3 on the first hour of Day 2. But Dhawan held the innings together, scoring at a brisk pace and hitting 14 fours and a six. His fluent knock set the stage for Ajinkya Rahane's century and MS Dhoni's counter-attacking fifty, ultimately saving India from a collapse despite New Zealand's mammoth second innings total.

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137 vs South Africa, Melbourne 2015

Before the 2015 World Cup, Dhawan's form in Australia was poor, with just 49 runs in four ODIs. But when the World Cup arrived, Dhawan unleashed his best. After Rohit fell early, Dhawan and Kohli rebuilt the innings before Dhawan took over, adding 127 runs with Kohli and another century stand with Rahane. Dhawan's 137 was his first World Cup century and his then career-best, showcasing his ability to perform on the biggest stage.

190 vs Sri Lanka, Galle 2017

If there was any team that Dhawan tormented consistently, it was Sri Lanka. In the series opener at Galle in 2017, Dhawan toyed with the Sri Lankan bowlers, scoring a brilliant 190 off 168 balls on Day 1. Returning to the Indian team after a brief absence, Dhawan made his comeback with an aggressive century, putting India in a commanding position.

Despite two lives granted by the Sri Lankans, Dhawan's innings was otherwise flawless, as he piled on the runs, continuing his love affair with the Galle International Stadium.

117 vs Australia, Oval 2019

Dhawan’s 117 against Australia in the 2019 World Cup will be remembered not just for the runs, but for the courage he showed. Batting with a fractured thumb, Dhawan powered his way to a century, scoring 92 runs after sustaining the injury. Despite the pain, Dhawan led India's charge, adding yet another memorable ICC tournament performance to his name, proving why he was the man for the big occasions.

Shikhar Dhawan's journey in Indian cricket may not have been a perfect script, but the legend he leaves behind is one of determination, flair, and countless match-winning performances.