Shikhar Dhawan's autobiography The One reveals his journey from Delhi to global cricket fame. Explore his struggles, divorce, mental health, and transformation beyond cricket. Released June 26, 2025 by HarperCollins India.
“This book is not just about runs or rivalries. It is about falling, learning, and moving ahead — even when millions are watching.” — Shikhar Dhawan
Shikhar Dhawan, one of India’s most popular cricketers, opens up in his memoir, The One: Cricket, My Life and More. Released by HarperCollins India on June 26, 2025, the book follows Dhawan’s path from Delhi’s local cricket fields to the global stage. Along the way, it reveals a mix of personal hardship, inner change, and success.
Dhawan doesn’t just talk about runs and matches. He shares moments of fear, loss, and doubt. Through stories, memories, and inputs from fellow players like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Yuvraj Singh, Dhawan presents a sharp and honest look at his life.
2025Release Year
June 26Launch Date
4+Cricketer Voices
DelhiOrigin City
📊 Quick Reference
Book TitleThe One: Cricket, My Life and More
AuthorShikhar Dhawan
PublisherHarperCollins India
Release DateJune 26, 2025
GenreAutobiography / Sports Memoir
Core ThemeResilience & Self-Discovery
📌 Why This Memoir Matters in 2025
Shikhar Dhawan’s “The One” — A candid look at cricket, struggles, and self-discovery
The book launched on June 26, 2025, and gained attention in both cricket and publishing circles. As more public figures speak about mental health, Dhawan’s open tone adds something new to cricket writing.
This isn’t just a sports story. It’s a record of personal change and the stress of living in the spotlight. The book appeals to sports fans, young readers, and anyone curious about the human side of fame.
🎯 Simple Explanation
Think of this book as Dhawan removing his helmet and pads — not to celebrate a century, but to show the bruises underneath. It’s not about stats; it’s about the person behind the swagger.
📖 About the Book: “The One”
The story begins with Dhawan’s early days as a wicketkeeper in Delhi. It tracks how he became one of India’s top left-handed openers. The book doesn’t avoid the hard parts. It accepts them and explains how they shaped him.
Key aspects covered in the memoir include his rise through domestic cricket, the pressures of international fame, personal setbacks including his divorce, and his journey toward mental wellness and self-acceptance.
Delhi Roots
Early cricket lessons under dedicated coaches; transition from wicketkeeper to opening batsman
National Stage
Rise as one of India’s most explosive left-handed openers
Australia Turning Point
An off-field incident prompts deep self-reflection and marks a phase of inner steadiness
Personal Challenges
Navigating divorce, public scrutiny, and rebuilding identity as a father
June 26, 2025
“The One” released by HarperCollins India
🌟 Major Highlights from the Autobiography
Dhawan writes with energy, detail, and emotion. The memoir covers several compelling areas:
Rise Through the Ranks: Early cricket lessons in Delhi, led by dedicated coaches; the shift from wicketkeeping to attacking batting
Personal Setbacks & Mental Health: Honest thoughts on being dropped from the team; stories of self-doubt, anxiety, and pressure management; life as a father during a public divorce
Behind the Dressing Room Doors: Jokes and trust shared with Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli; surviving high-stakes tours, especially in Australia
Turning Point in Australia: An off-field incident forces him to reflect; marks the start of a more thoughtful, steady phase of life
💭 Think About This
Dhawan’s nickname “Gabbar” suggests aggression and fearlessness. But this book reveals a different side — vulnerability, doubt, and the courage to change. Can public personas ever fully represent the private person?
🗣️ What Fellow Cricketers Say
Fellow cricketers share their perspectives on Dhawan’s journey in “The One”
The memoir includes reflections from some of Indian cricket’s biggest names:
Cricketer
What They Said
Virat Kohli
“Shikhar has always been a fighter — on and off the field.”
Yuvraj Singh
“This book shows the real Gabbar. Strong, funny, full of heart.”
Harbhajan Singh
“We’ve had our moments, but reading this showed me how far he’s come.”
Sachin Sharma (HarperCollins)
“Shikhar opens up about everything — cricket, relationships, setbacks — and shows how he kept going.”
✓ Quick Recall
Key Point: Four prominent voices feature in the book — Virat Kohli, Yuvraj Singh, Harbhajan Singh, and Rohit Sharma — offering personal memories and reflections on Dhawan’s character.
💪 Themes of Resilience and Reinvention
This memoir is more than a list of matches. It maps the growth of a person shaped by loss, mistakes, and pressure. Dhawan’s shift from flash to focus shows up across several key themes:
🧠 Mental Health in Sports: He admits to long spells of anxiety and self-doubt. His writing adds to a wider shift in sport where more players, like Naomi Osaka and Ben Stokes, have spoken up about mental health.
🔄 Identity Reclamation: After his divorce and time away from cricket, he tried to reconnect with other parts of himself: father, public figure, and person.
🌍 Relevance Beyond Cricket: The story of rebuilding life after failure matters to anyone — not just cricket fans. It shows how hard it is to stay honest, change, and try again.
⚠️ Exam Trap
Don’t confuse: This is NOT a cricket statistics book or match-by-match record. “The One” is an introspective memoir focusing on personal transformation, mental health, and life lessons — published by HarperCollins India (not a sports publisher).
🧠 Memory Tricks
Title Memory:
“The ONE” — One player, One journey, One honest story. Remember: June 26 (6+2+6=14, reduce to 1+4=5, like the 5 themes of the book)
Publisher Pattern:
“Harper + Collins = HC = Honest Cricket” — HarperCollins published Dhawan’s honest cricket memoir
Four Voices:
“VYHH” — Virat, Yuvraj, Harbhajan, (and context from) HarperCollins. Four testimonials that validate Dhawan’s journey.
📚 Quick Revision Flashcards
Click to flip • Master key facts
Question
What is the title of Shikhar Dhawan’s 2025 autobiography?
Click to flip
Answer
The One: Cricket, My Life and More, published by HarperCollins India on June 26, 2025.
Card 1 of 5
🧠 Think Deeper
For GDPI, Essay Writing & Critical Analysis
🏏
How does the growing trend of athlete memoirs focusing on mental health reflect changing societal attitudes toward vulnerability and success?
Consider: Naomi Osaka, Ben Stokes, Simone Biles; the shift from “sports hero” to “human athlete”; impact on young fans and aspiring players.
🔄
Can public figures truly separate their professional personas from their private identities? What does Dhawan’s memoir suggest about this balance?
Think about: The “Gabbar” nickname vs. the vulnerable author; social media scrutiny; the pressure to maintain a brand while seeking authenticity.
🎯 Test Your Knowledge
5 questions • Instant feedback
Question 1 of 5
When was Shikhar Dhawan’s autobiography “The One” released?
A) January 15, 2025
B) March 26, 2025
C) June 26, 2025
D) September 10, 2025
Explanation
The One: Cricket, My Life and More was released on June 26, 2025, by HarperCollins India.
Question 2 of 5
Which publisher released Shikhar Dhawan’s memoir “The One”?
A) Penguin Random House
B) HarperCollins India
C) Simon & Schuster
D) Rupa Publications
Explanation
HarperCollins India is the publisher of Shikhar Dhawan’s autobiography The One.
Question 3 of 5
Where did Shikhar Dhawan begin his cricket journey?
A) Delhi
B) Mumbai
C) Chandigarh
D) Kolkata
Explanation
Shikhar Dhawan began his cricket career in Delhi, initially as a wicketkeeper before becoming an opening batsman.
Question 4 of 5
What is the primary focus of “The One” by Shikhar Dhawan?
A) Match-by-match cricket statistics
B) Technical batting techniques
C) IPL auction strategies
D) Resilience, mental health, and personal transformation
Explanation
The book primarily focuses on resilience, personal transformation, and mental health awareness rather than match statistics.
Question 5 of 5
Which cricketers share their perspectives on Dhawan in the book?
A) Sachin Tendulkar, MS Dhoni, Sourav Ganguly
B) Rahul Dravid, VVS Laxman, Anil Kumble
C) Virat Kohli, Yuvraj Singh, Harbhajan Singh, Rohit Sharma
D) Kapil Dev, Sunil Gavaskar, Ravi Shastri
Explanation
Virat Kohli, Yuvraj Singh, Harbhajan Singh, and Rohit Sharma share their perspectives on Dhawan in the book.
0/5
Loading…
📌 Key Takeaways for Exams
1
Book & Author: “The One: Cricket, My Life and More” (2025) is Shikhar Dhawan’s autobiography, released on June 26, 2025, by HarperCollins India.
2
Genre & Focus: Sports memoir focusing on resilience, mental health, personal transformation, and self-discovery — not cricket statistics.
3
Origins: Dhawan’s journey began in Delhi as a wicketkeeper before he transitioned to become one of India’s top left-handed opening batsmen.
4
Featured Voices: The book includes perspectives from Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Yuvraj Singh, and Harbhajan Singh.
5
Core Themes: Mental health in sports, identity reclamation after divorce, and relevance beyond cricket — showing how to rebuild after setbacks.
6
Broader Context: Part of the growing trend of athlete memoirs (alongside Naomi Osaka, Ben Stokes) that prioritize emotional honesty over achievement lists.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What is Shikhar Dhawan’s book called?
The One: Cricket, My Life and More, published by HarperCollins India on June 26, 2025. It’s an autobiography that goes beyond cricket to explore personal struggles, mental health, and transformation.
How is this different from other cricket biographies?
This book talks less about wins and more about emotions, fear, and growth. It’s a personal story, not a match diary. Dhawan openly discusses anxiety, self-doubt, divorce, and the pressure of public life — topics rarely explored with such honesty in cricket memoirs.
Who are the other voices in the book?
Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Yuvraj Singh, and Harbhajan Singh each offer personal memories and remarks about Dhawan’s character and journey. Publisher Sachin Sharma from HarperCollins also provides context on the book’s significance.
Does the book talk about his private life?
Yes. Dhawan writes openly about his divorce, the challenges of parenting, and the pressure of being in the public eye. He also discusses how he rebuilt his identity beyond cricket and coped with personal setbacks.
Where can I read or buy the book?
Available via HarperCollins India, Amazon India, Flipkart, and bookstores across India. Digital and audiobook formats may also be available through major platforms.
With 18+ years of teaching experience and a passion for making learning accessible, I'm here to help you navigate competitive exams. Whether it's UPSC, SSC, Banking, or CAT prep—let's connect and solve it together.
Don't let doubts slow you down. Whether it's current affairs, static GK, or exam strategy—I'm here to help. Choose your preferred way to connect and let's tackle your challenges head-on.
