Gabbar’s Glory: Top 10 IPL Performances of Shikhar Dhawan That Defined His Legacy

Shikhar Dhawan, affectionately known as "Gabbar," has been a pillar of consistency in the IPL for over a decade. Whether it's laying solid foundations or delivering explosive match-winning innings, his fearless approach and trademark mustache twirl have become fan favorites. Here are his 10 finest IPL performances that cemented his place among the league’s greats.

1. 106* (61) vs Kings XI Punjab – IPL 2020 First player ever to score back-to-back centuries in IPL history.
   Dhawan’s century was a masterclass in pacing an innings. He carried the bat and hit 12 fours and 3 sixes, anchoring Delhi Capitals to a strong total despite little support from the other end.
2. 101* (58) vs Chennai Super Kings – IPL 2020 His first-ever IPL ton — and it came in a thriller.
   Dhawan kept Delhi in the chase with impeccable timing and ice-cool nerves. Despite dropped chances, he made CSK pay dearly with 14 boundaries and 1 six, winning it for Delhi in the last over.
3. 97* (63) vs Kolkata Knight Riders – IPL 2022 Vintage Dhawan — steady, stylish, and match-winning.
   Leading Punjab Kings, Dhawan unleashed his signature drives and pulled off a superb chase. His unbeaten 97 ensured a comfortable 8-wicket win, reaffirming his role as an elite T20 anchor.
4. 92* (49) vs Delhi Capitals – IPL 2019 One-man show for Sunrisers Hyderabad.
   Dhawan dominated his former team with glorious strokeplay. From lofted cover drives to flicks off the pads, he played the perfect T20 knock, guiding SRH to victory without breaking a sweat.
5. 85 (54) vs Royal Challengers Bangalore – IPL 2018 Silky smooth innings to chase down RCB’s 175.
   Dhawan made batting look effortless as he powered SRH’s chase alongside Kane Williamson. His early dominance neutralized Umesh Yadav and Siraj, setting up a clinical finish.
6. 78 (57) vs Rajasthan Royals – IPL 2017 Solid start turned into match-winning momentum.
   Dhawan showed how anchoring an innings could be as vital as finishing it. His control and ability to rotate strike helped SRH post a defendable total — and ultimately, a crucial win.
7. 77* (44) vs Mumbai Indians – IPL 2021 Against the champions, Dhawan delivered a captain’s knock.
   With precise strokeplay and smart running, Dhawan dismantled MI’s pace attack. His unbeaten innings powered Delhi to a memorable win against the defending champs.
8. 73 (37) vs Chennai Super Kings – IPL 2021 A powerplay storm against CSK’s best.
   Dhawan exploded in the first six overs, racing to 50 in just 28 balls. His ability to take on both spin and pace ensured Delhi dominated the chase from the very beginning.
9. 69 (47) vs Kolkata Knight Riders – IPL 2016 Master of timing on a tricky pitch.
   On a slow Eden Gardens surface, Dhawan used placement and soft hands to keep the scoreboard ticking. His partnership with Warner laid the platform for a competitive total.
10. 60 (50) vs Gujarat Titans – IPL 2023 Fighting half-century against the top bowling unit.
    In a low-scoring match, Dhawan stood tall against Rashid and Shami, carrying Punjab deep into the innings. Though PBKS fell short, Dhawan’s knock was lauded for its temperament.

Conclusion

Shikhar Dhawan’s IPL journey is a celebration of elegance, reliability, and cricketing intelligence. Whether playing the aggressor or the sheet anchor, he’s always found a way to make an impact. With over 6500+ IPL runs and counting, Gabbar has carved a legacy that’s as memorable as his iconic twirls.

*Disclaimer: This article is fan-curated and based on public match data up to IPL 2025. All stats are sourced from official IPL archives and Cricinfo.