Shikhar Dhawan Took HIV Test When He Was “14-15 Years Old” After Manali Trip. This Happened Next | Cricket News

Shikhar Dhawan is not only known for his great show as an opener but also his swag off the field. Be it his mustache, or his thigh bumping or his hairstyle or his Instagram reels, Dhawan always rules with his off-the-field swagger. His tattoos are a part of that persona, and he has quite a few designs made on his body. In a recent interview, Dhawan revealed the many tattoos that he has got. He also opened up about the first tattoo that he got and how it led to a tricky situation.

“When I was 14-15 years old, I had gone to Manali and had got a tattoo done on my back without informing my family members. I had to hide it for quite some time, about 3-4 months, and then when my father got to know, he beat me. I got a bit scared after doing the tattoo because I had no clue about the number of bodies that needle had pierced. So then I went and did my HIV Test and it’s negative to date (laughs),” Dhawan said on Aaj Tak.

“My first tattoo, on my back, was a Scorpio. Because at that time, that was my thought. Then I made a design on it. I also got a tattoo of Lord Shiva in my hand. I also got a tattoo of Arjun, he was our best archer.”

Dhawan is currently out of the India squad, with the Team management opting for younger options as openers. Dhawan though will play the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 for Punjab Kings.

Dhawan was asked how long a rope would he have given himself if he was the selector or the captain of the team.

“I feel Shubman was already playing both formats and doing really well, both Tests and T20Is. If was playing more matches on the international circuit. If I was the selector, I would’ve given chance to Shubman,” he said.

On being asked if he would pick Shubman over Shikhar, the southpaw said, “Yes, I would.”

Dhawan also said that he wants to keep himself prepared for any ‘magic’ that might happen in the future, earning him a recall into the Indian team. All he wants to do at the moment is keep working hard and remain ready for any opportunity that arrives.

“Even if the opportunity doesn’t come, I won’t have the regret in my heart that I didn’t prepare myself. Whatever is in my hand, I want to do that,” he said.