Shikhar Dhawan’s Memoir “The One” Reveals the Man Behind the Bat

In a deeply personal and reflective move, former Indian cricketer Shikhar Dhawan has released his much-awaited autobiography titled “The One: Cricket, My Life and More.” Published by HarperCollins India, the memoir takes readers behind the scenes of Dhawan’s cricketing career, offering insights into his professional milestones, emotional struggles, and personal transformations. Known for his charisma on the field, Dhawan now shares a more intimate portrayal of his journey—filled with setbacks, growth, and self-discovery.

Why in News?

The memoir was officially launched on June 26, 2025, and has already sparked attention for its raw honesty and first-hand anecdotes from one of India’s most beloved cricketing personalities. The book includes contributions from fellow cricketers such as Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Yuvraj Singh, and Harbhajan Singh, offering a collective glimpse into the life of a modern cricketer.

About the Book

• Title: The One: Cricket, My Life and More
• Author: Shikhar Dhawan
• Publisher: HarperCollins India
• Published: June 26, 2025
• Theme: Honest and unfiltered reflections on cricket, life, and identity.

Key Highlights from the Memoir

• Career Journey: Chronicles Dhawan’s rise from the cricketing grounds of Delhi to becoming one of India’s most successful opening batsmen.
• Personal Struggles: Reveals moments of self-doubt, selection setbacks, and mental health challenges during demanding tours.
• Identity Transformation: Tracks his shift from a young wicketkeeper to a globally recognized aggressive stroke-maker.
• Behind-the-Scenes: Shares locker room moments, bonding with teammates, and the impact of public scrutiny on his personal life.
• Turning Point: Includes an emotional episode from a tour of Australia, where off-field controversies tested his resilience.

Voices from Cricket

• Teammates like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Yuvraj Singh, and Harbhajan Singh provide reflections that enrich the narrative.
• Sachin Sharma (Publisher, HarperCollins India): “Shikhar has opened up about his life, cricket, relationships, and every curveball that he faced and emerged stronger.”

Significance

• The memoir not only sheds light on Dhawan’s cricketing achievements but also serves as a story of personal reinvention, making it relatable for a broader audience beyond cricket fans.
• Demonstrates how public figures navigate mental health, career instability, and emotional growth in the limelight.