The Story Behind “Gabbar” Shikhar Dhawan
Shikhar Dhawan is one of India’s most aggressive and reliable opening batsmen. Known as “Gabbar,” Dhawan earned this nickname for his fearless attitude, attacking batting style, and trademark intensity at the crease. Just like his nickname suggests, Dhawan brought aggression, confidence, and dominance whenever he walked out to bat. But how did he get this iconic name? Let’s find out.
The Origin of “Gabbar”
The nickname “Gabbar” was inspired by the famous Bollywood character Gabbar Singh from Sholay. Dhawan’s bold personality, fiery approach, and no-nonsense style reminded teammates and fans of the iconic character. Over time, the name stuck and became synonymous with Dhawan’s on-field persona.
Aggressive Starts, Big Impact
As an opener, Shikhar Dhawan mastered the art of giving India strong starts.
-
One of India’s most consistent ODI openers
-
Outstanding record in ICC tournaments
-
Known for dominating bowlers in the powerplay
His ability to attack early and put bowlers under pressure made him a vital asset in limited-overs cricket.
Big-Match Performer
Dhawan always stepped up when it mattered most. His performances in ICC events, especially Champions Trophy tournaments, earned him the reputation of a big-game player who thrived on the biggest stages.
Confidence On and Off the Field
Beyond runs, Dhawan’s energy, celebrations, and trademark moustache twirl reflected his fearless mindset. He played with freedom, confidence, and a warrior-like spirit - perfectly fitting the name Gabbar.
In Short: Why Shikhar Dhawan Is Called Gabbar
Shikhar Dhawan earned the title “Gabbar” through aggression, fearlessness, and match-winning intent. He didn’t just open innings - he set the tone. For Indian cricket fans, Gabbar Dhawan will always symbolize attacking dominance.
Also Read: Why Jasprit Bumrah is Known as Boom Boom, India’s Fast-Bowling Phenomenon