Happy Father's Day to me: Shikhar Dhawan, who lost custody of his son, shares heartfelt post

Former Indian cricketer Shikhar Dhawan wished himself on Father's Day in a heartfelt post. He wrote a special message for his son Zoraver, assuring that he is "always" there for him.

Dhawan took to Instagram on Sunday and shared a video where he was playing with his son, and wrote, "Happy Father's Day to me. Always there for you Zoraver, waiting with lots of love for you."

Dhawan parted ways with his wife Ayesha Mukherjee in October 2023. During the separation, the Delhi family court granted Dhawan a divorce decree on the grounds of cruelty.

Since the end of the marriage, Dhawan has not met Zoraver in person. However, he often shares pictures of his son on social media, expressing his longing to reunite with his son.

Earlier this year, Dhawan told ANI, "It's been two years since I saw my son. It's been a year since we talked. Because I'm blocked from everywhere. Of course, it's difficult. But... You learn to live with it, and I miss him. But again, I talk to him spiritually. I feel like I'm talking to my son every day. I'm hugging him."

The 39-year-old announced his retirement from all forms of cricket in August 2024. The former opener pulled called it quits with an emotional announcement on Instagram. Known for his effortless run-scoring, Dhawan was one of India's key players, particularly in the ODI format.

In 167 ODI matches, he scored 6,793 runs at an average of 44.1, including 17 centuries and 39 fifties. In Test cricket, the batter scored 2,315 runs in 34 matches at an average of 40.6, with seven centuries and five half-centuries. In T20Is, Dhawan made 68 appearances, scoring 1,759 runs at an average of 27.9, including 11 fifties.