The left-hander failed to convert the start into a big score in the second Twenty20 International (T20I) against Bangladesh in Rajkot. Dhawan was looking set for a big knock but he missed a straight delivery from Aminul Islam and lost his wicket for 31.
The 33-year-old was the top-scorer for India in the first T20I that India lost by seven wickets in Delhi.
In the second T20I, bowlers set up the game for India as they restricted Bangladesh to a below-par total of 153 for six. Yuzvendra Chahal was the pick of the bowlers for India who finished his four overs with figures of two for 28.
Chasing 150 to stay alive in the series, Rohit Sharma went berserk and smashed Bangladesh bowling attack to all parts of the ground.
Rohit, playing his 100th T20I, smashed 85 runs off just 43 deliveries to help India level the three-match series 1-1 with a match left.
The final T20I will be played in Nagpur on Sunday.