Shikhar Dhawan recently took a trip down memory lane, revisiting his remarkable journey in the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy—a tournament that not only cemented India’s dominance under MS Dhoni but also marked the beginning of one of the most prolific opening partnerships in ODI history. Paired with Rohit Sharma for the first time in the tournament, Dhawan never imagined that this decision, made just hours before India’s opening match, would define the next decade of his cricketing career.
“This opening pair decision was made half a day prior to that match,” Shikhar Dhawan shared on The Shikhar Dhawan Experience on Star Sports and JioHotstar. “At that time, I was also new, and I was in my own world. I had made a comeback and needed to perform well.”
He added, “But MS Dhoni took this decision and instructed Rohit to open. I didn’t think much about it—I just felt that if Rohit opens, we’ll enjoy batting together. We got off to a great start in our first match, reaching 100 without losing a wicket. The pitch was seaming, so we didn’t score much in the first 10 overs, but I never imagined that our partnership would last a decade.”
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And what a partnership it turned out to be! Between 2013 and 2022, Dhawan and Rohit became India’s fourth-most successful ODI opening pair, amassing over 5000 runs together. Their chemistry, Dhawan explained, wasn’t just about batting—it was about trust, camaraderie, and an understanding built over years of playing together.
“We trusted each other, and our communication on and off the field was top-notch. We played together, won series together, and celebrated together. Even before playing for India, when Rohit was 16-17 years old, I played in the U-19 World Cup with him. Our friendship goes way back,” he said.
Dhawan also lauded Rohit Sharma’s evolution as a leader, crediting his ability to handle pressure and keep the team united.
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“From 2013 to 2025, he’s gained immense experience. He’s been through a lot and knows exactly how to manage situations. He’s matured as a captain—he understands when to be lenient and when to take charge. His bond with the team is incredible. We’re in a great position,” Shikhar Dhawan concluded.
