‘The One’: Shikhar Dhawan’s autobiography focuses on mindset and India’s sports future

Celebrated cricketer and entrepreneur Shikhar Dhawan unveiled his autobiography, The One: Cricket, My Life and More, on December 14 at The Leela Palace, New Delhi, using the occasion to reflect on defining moments of his career while sharing his broader vision for India’s evolving sports ecosystem.

The book launch was organised in association with BMW Deutsche Motoren, publisher HarperCollins, and the Trends Literature Series. It brought together voices from sports, publishing, and business, positioning the autobiography not merely as a personal memoir, but as a statement of intent for Dhawan’s expanding off-field ventures.

Speaking at the launch, Dhawan reflected on how mindset and conscious goal-setting shaped his journey, from early struggles to international success. He described The One as a record of how belief, discipline, and manifestation have played a central role in his life, both on and off the field.

“As with everything I achieved in my career, I manifested this book and the purpose it serves,” Dhawan said. “The One is a reflection of the mindset that shaped my journey, and I hope it inspires the champions of tomorrow.”

Dhawan explained that writing down goals and visualising outcomes was a habit he developed long before his India debut. “I have been journaling for years. I wrote about becoming the best, even when I hadn’t played for India. Slowly, those dreams turned into reality,” he said, recalling how this approach coincided with milestones such as his Test debut century and subsequent leadership roles.

Beyond his cricketing achievements, the book also explores lighter, personal anecdotes that have helped make Dhawan one of Indian cricket’s most recognisable personalities. From the origins of his trademark moustache twirl to tales from dressing rooms and tour buses, he acknowledged that humour and self-expression served as essential coping mechanisms in a high-pressure career.

“You have to keep yourself entertained, especially on long days in the field,” he said, recalling how his energy and chatter became part of team culture. “I was always one of those characters who tried to keep the mood light.”

The launch event also highlighted Dhawan’s transition from athlete to entrepreneur. He emphasised that the principles outlined in The One directly guide the work of Da One Group, his sports-focused venture dedicated to creating structured pathways for young athletes.

“The same principles now guide my vision for the Da One Group and the Shikhar Dhawan Foundation,” Dhawan said. “I want both ventures to play a pivotal role in India’s rise as a sporting nation and in creating opportunities in education and community development.”

Anshita Gupta, Group CEO of Da One Group, stated that the decision to share Dhawan’s story with readers was inspired by the resilience and clarity with which he navigated setbacks. “There are regular lives, and then there is Shikhar Dhawan’s life,” Gupta said. “He has never given excuses. He has seen highs and lows and always risen above them. That journey needed to be told.”

Gupta noted that the book captures multiple sides of Dhawan’s personality, from his mischievous side to his spiritual and reflective self. “Personally, I want readers to see his positive side, his belief in affirmations and spirituality. When you start thinking positively and put in the effort, things begin to happen”, she said.

She added that Dhawan’s thinking is deeply embedded in how Da One Group operates today. “For us, it’s not just about a celebrity name. It’s his vision that is built into our system. We are focused on creating structured pathways, especially at the grassroots level, where children often don’t know what the next step should be,” Gupta said.

According to Gupta, Da One Group is working towards a comprehensive, high-performance sports ecosystem that brings coaching, infrastructure and mentorship under one roof. “Our idea is to build infrastructure, not just donate money. It’s about creating systems that people can actually benefit from,” she said, hinting at an upcoming premium cricket-focused project.

Alongside Da One Group, the Shikhar Dhawan Foundation was highlighted as a key pillar of his post-cricket ambitions. The foundation undertakes initiatives in education and community development, including programmes focused on digital learning and livelihood support.

Dhawan shared how some of these initiatives have already had visible impact. “We’ve seen people’s mindsets change. Someone who felt they weren’t adding value suddenly gets an opportunity and builds a new life,” he said. “If we can impact even one person meaningfully, that matters.”

Dhawan reiterated that The One was not meant to be a celebratory victory lap, but a guide rooted in lived experience. “If my journey encourages young people to trust their potential and stay committed to their growth,” he said, “that is the impact I want to create.”

With The One, Dhawan presents his personal story as both a reflection and a roadmap, connecting his cricketing journey with a wider ambition to help shape the future of Indian sport.