Five Indian cricketers who made it big at a youthful age

#2 Shikhar Dhawan

Shikhar Dhawan needs no introduction. Nicknamed ‘Gabbar’, Dhawan has come a long way since impressing as a young teenager in the U-19 World Cup, back in 2004. Dhawan finished as the leading run getter in the tournament and was rewarded for his outstanding display with the man of the series trophy. His total of 505 runs still remains the highest ever in an U-19 World Cup.

The 30-year old started his career with the Delhi U-16’s back in 1999/2000 and although he failed to impress initially, the left handed batsman came to light a year later at the Vijay Merchant Trophy, where Delhi finished as runners-up, where Dhawan scored two hundreds, including a massive 199. He finished the tournament with an average of more than 80. Since then there has been no turning back for Dhawan who further earned call ups from the U-17 side of India, the Delhi U-19 squad, all at the youthful age of 15.

Dhawan made his Ranji Trophy debut for Delhi against Andhra back in 2004, and finished as the side’s leading run getter, leaving behind the likes of Ajay Jadeja and Aakash Chopra.