Ever since they became an opening pair in ODI cricket during the ICC Champions Trophy 2013, Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan have forged many memorable partnerships.
In 107 ODI innings so far, the pair has aggregated 4802 runs at an average of 45.30 between themselves. They are currently placed at the second position in the all-time list of maximum 100-run opening partnerships with 16 such stands.
Moreover, Sharma and Dhawan have also stitched 14 partnerships of fifty runs or more in ODIs, with 210 being their best stand so far.
Recently, former India fast bowler Irfan Pathan spoke about the duo’s success. As per Pathan, Rohit and Shikhar understand each other's strengths and weaknesses and that's what makes them a successful opening pair in the limited-overs format of the game.
“We know Shikhar plays very freely. He gives time to Rohit Sharma. We all know how Rohit Sharma is able to change gears very quickly, but he takes time early on. In cricket you need someone at the other end to understand your strengths and weakness,” Irfan said on the Cricket Connected Show on Star Sports.
In T20I cricket, Rohit and Dhawan have opened together in 52 innings, amassing 1743 runs at an average of 33.51 with four century and seven fifty-plus partnerships.
“Shikhar understands when Rohit Sharma needs time, for at least the few overs to get himself going. So, he used to take the charge and I think that’s what makes him successful. And as soon as the spinners came and Rohit Sharma got settled, he took all the pressure away from Shikhar Dhawan, so that’s why the whole camaraderie really, really went on well for Team India for so many years,” Pathan explained.
