Dhawan reveals MS Dhoni's role in forming iconic opening duo
What's the story
Shikhar Dhawan, who recently retired from professional cricket, revealed how his iconic ODI opening partnership with Rohit Sharma began.
Debuting as an opening duo in the 2013 Champions Trophy, they became the fourth most successful opening pair in ODI history, scoring 5,148 runs at 45.55 in 115 innings, as per ESPNcricinfo.
Meanwhile, Dhawan recently credited former World Cup-winning skipper MS Dhoni for pairing them, shaping one of India's greatest opening pair.
Here's more.
Strategic move
Dhoni's role in creating successful opening partnership
As mentioned, Dhawan disclosed that it was former Indian captain Dhoni who decided to pair him with Rohit.
The decision was taken a day before India's first match against South Africa in the 2013 Champions Trophy in Cardiff.
"This opening pair decision was made half a day prior to that match. Dhoni took this decision and instructed Rohit to open," Dhawan said during an episode of the special series 'The Shikhar Dhawan Experience' on Star Sports and JioHotstar.
Debut success
Dhawan and Rohit's successful debut as opening pair
In their first match as an opening pair, Dhawan and Rohit added a commendable 127 runs.
"I thought if Rohit opens, we'll enjoy batting together. We got such a great start in the first match," Dhawan recalled.
"We were at 100 without losing a wicket. We didn't score 30-35 runs up to the 10th over because the wicket was seaming," he added talking about their initial struggles in the match.
Leadership praise
Dhawan praises Rohit's leadership skills
Dhawan also praised Rohit's evolution as a leader, saying he has become more mature over the years.
"From 2013 to 2025, 12 years of experience is a lot. Rohit has been through a lot," he said.
He also emphasized how well Rohit understands pressure situations and how he handles the team dynamics so well.
"As a leader, he has become mature, he knows when to be lenient and when to pull back. It's a fine balance," Dhawan further lauded Rohit.
Enduring friendship
Dhawan reflects on long-standing bond with Rohit
Dhawan also spoke about his long-standing relationship with Rohit, which dates back to their junior cricket days.
"That whole journey and even before playing in India, when Rohit was 16-17 years old, I played in the Under-19 World Cup," he said.
He stressed their bond remained strong on and off the field, which contributed a lot to their successful partnership as openers in ODIs.
"We trust each other and our understanding and level of communication was very high," he said.
Do you know?
These three opening pairs are ahead of Dhawan-Rohit
Former Indian icons, Sourav Ganguly and Sachin Tendulkar own most ODI partnership runs as openers (6,609 runs). They are followed by Adam Gilchrist and Matthew Hayden (5,372 runs). Gordon Greenidge and Desmond Haynes are next (5,150 runs).