In the limited-overs format, Shikhar Dhawan, the veteran opener, opened the innings with a magnificent partnership alongside Rohit Sharma. In addition to setting the stage for massive totals, senior batters Dhawan and Rohit orchestrated a number of legendary run chases in the One Day International (ODI) format.
Given their excellent understanding of each other’s games and mutual respect, Dhawan recently stated that Rohit should have received a lot of credit for the southpaw’s achievement. Together, Rohit and Shikhar Dhawan scored an incredible 5148 runs at an average of 45.55 in 115 ODIs, including 18 century-stands.
The Indian pair is the fourth opening duo in ODI history to score 5000 runs. In the 50-over format, only three pairings have accomplished the amazing feat: Sachin Tendulkar and Sourav Ganguly, Adam Gilchrist and Matthew Hayden, and Gordon Greenidge and Desmond Haynes.
I seriously give credit for a lot of my best performances to Rohit’s support- Shikhar Dhawan
Shikhar Dhawan‘s stint with the Indian team came to an end as Shubman Gill was deemed to be better in white-ball cricket. The pair, together with Rohit Sharma, constituted one of the most potent opening combinations in ODI cricket, especially considering their earlier record-breaking exploits.
Rohit now opens the batting with Shubman Gill frequently, and the pair has amassed 1523 runs in 22 ODIs, averaging 72.52.
Shikhar Dhawan discussed how his and Rohit Sharma’s collaboration helped India establish a platform in an interview with the Times of India.
“My collaboration with Rohit & his support at the other end at the top of the order has been instrumental in provi
ding strong starts to the team, setting the foundation for successful chases and big totals. I seriously give credit for a lot of my best performances to Rohit’s support.”
Shikhar Dhawan On his greatest partnerships with Rohit Sharma
Rohit Sharma, in Shikhar Dhawan’s views, was the ideal partner for him to express himself at the beginning. While Rohit enjoyed to bat deep and long, Dhawan frequently adopted an aggressive style.
Looking back, the out-of-favor batter selected his best opening stand with Rohit Sharma:
“Rohit on the other end gives that sense of comfort and assurance. I think our best innings was a 193-run opening stand against Australia in the fourth ODI at Mohali in 2019 & the second best will be against Pakistan in the 2018 Asia Cup in Dubai where we put together a 210-run stand for the first wicket.”
Shikhar Dhawan will be seen in action leading the PBKS side in the IPL 2024. In the 17th year of the IPL, the Indian southpaw is the 14th captain of Punjab. Chris Woakes, Rilee Rossouw, and Harshal Patel have all been signed by Dhawan and Co. for the 2024 season.