New Delhi, February 28: Ahead of India’s final group stage match against New Zealand at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday, former opener Shikhar Dhawan shared his reflections on his 2013 Champions Trophy journey, his decade-long opening partnership with Rohit Sharma, and his thoughts on Rohit’s leadership in a special series.
Dhawan and Rohit Sharma’s iconic opening partnership, which began during the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy, has been a defining feature of Indian cricket. Speaking on JioHotstar, Dhawan recalled their bond, saying, “We trust each other, and our understanding and communication were very high. On and off the field, our bond is the same. We’ve played together, partied after winning series, and built a friendship since our Under-19 World Cup days when Rohit was just 16-17 years old.”
Reflecting on their first time opening together in 2013, Dhawan said, “The opening pair decision was made half a day prior to the match. I had just made a comeback and needed to perform well. MS Dhoni decided that Rohit would open, and I was happy to bat alongside him. We started well in the first match, reaching 100 without losing a wicket. Although we didn’t score quickly initially because the wicket was seaming, I never imagined that we would continue as a pair for 10 years.”
The 39-year-old also spoke highly of Rohit Sharma’s evolution as a captain. “From 2013 to 2025, 12 years of experience is a lot. Rohit has learned how to handle high-pressure situations and knows when to be lenient and when to pull back. He has become a mature leader with a fine balance. His bond with the players is amazing, and we are in a great situation,” Dhawan added.
Dhawan, a veteran of 167 ODIs, has been a key figure in India’s cricketing success, scoring 6,793 runs at an average of 44.1, including 17 centuries and 39 fifties. In Test cricket, he has accumulated 2,315 runs in 34 matches at an average of 40.6, with seven centuries and five half-centuries. In T20Is, Dhawan made 68 appearances, amassing 1,759 runs at an average of 27.9, including 11 fifties.
As India prepares for their clash with New Zealand, Dhawan’s reflections on his partnership with Rohit and Rohit’s leadership continue to underscore the long-standing camaraderie that has been instrumental in India’s success over the years.