Shikhar Dhawan is making headlines again, this time for his praise of Colonel Sofia Qureshi, an Indian Muslim officer who made waves during Operation Sindoor. The former cricketer took to social media to laud Qureshi’s bravery.
A History of Standing Up to Hate
Dhawan isn’t new to speaking out against hate. He previously took on Shahid Afridi, a former Pakistani cricketer known for his anti-India rants. The online spat between the two cricketers started when Afridi made derogatory comments about the Indian Army. Dhawan fired back, reminding Afridi of the 1999 Kargil War. He also said Pakistan was already at a low point and couldn’t sink any lower.
Afridi responded with a veiled threat, inviting Dhawan for a cup of tea. But what followed was Operation Sindoor, a military operation that left Pakistan reeling. Indians took to social media to troll Afridi, asking him how the tea tasted. Afridi, however, continued to spew venom, even holding a victory rally in Karachi after the operation.
Standing with Heroes Like Colonel Qureshi
Dhawan believes India’s strength lies in its unity. He praised Colonel Qureshi and other Indian Muslims who have fought bravely for the nation. In a tweet, he wrote, “The spirit of India lies in its unity. Hats off to heroes like Colonel Sofia Qureshi and to the countless Indian Muslims who’ve bravely fought for the nation and shown what we stand for. Jai Hind!”
The spirit of India lies in its unity. Hats off to heroes like Colonel Sofia Qureshi and to the countless Indian Muslims who’ve bravely fought for the nation and shown what we stand for. Jai Hind! 🇮🇳
— Shikhar Dhawan (@SDhawan25) May 15, 2025
Dhawan’s words highlight the country’s diverse heroes and the values they represent. His praise for Colonel Qureshi is a testament to the power of unity and bravery.