REVEALED: Why is Shikhar Dhawan nicknamed Gabbar?

In the world of cricket, nicknames often capture the essence of a player's charisma or playing style. Shikhar Dhawan, one of the best opening Batsman for India, is famously known…

By Rahul Roy

September 1, 2024

2 min read

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In the world of cricket, nicknames often capture the essence of a player’s charisma or playing style. Shikhar Dhawan, one of the best opening Batsman for India, is famously known as ‘Gabbar’. But how did this intriguing nickname come about?

The story of ‘Gabbar’ dates back to Dhawan’s early cricketing days when he played domestic matches for Delhi. During one such match in the Ranji Trophy, Dhawan found himself fielding at a position called silly point. When the opposing team was building a strong partnership, tension would usually rise among the players. To lighten the mood and energize his teammates, Dhawan would channel a famous Bollywood villain named Gabbar Singh. He humorously shouted, “Bahut yaarana hai suar ke bacchon,” a line from the classic Bollywood film “Sholay” that would leave his teammates in splits.

The line, delivered with such flair and confidence, resonated with the team’s coach, Vijay, who decided to nickname Dhawan ‘Gabbar’. This title was a perfect fit, as Dhawan’s aggressive batting style and fearless attitude on the field mirrored the larger-than-life persona of the fictional Gabbar Singh. The name quickly caught on and soon became a beloved moniker not just within the team, but among cricket fans worldwide.

Why is Shikhar Dhawan nicknamed Gabbar?

In an exclusive interview with SportsTak, Shikhar Dhawan 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.

Today, ‘Gabbar’ is more than just a nickname; it’s a testament to Dhawan’s dynamic presence on the cricket field and his ability to bring humor and vigor into the game. His story reminds us of the lighter, more personable side of sports, where a simple nickname can tell a tale of camaraderie, culture, and charisma.