Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan are one of the best opening pairs in ODI cricket since they began to open for India. As India’s opening pair, Rohit and Dhawan have gathered 5125 runs, adding 15 half-century and 18-century stands.
Without captain Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan has, as a matter of fact, led India to a 3-0 series victory series against West Indies in the ODIs.
Ahead of the 1st T20Is, a reporter inquired the Indian skipper about his on-field bond with Shikhar Dhawan.
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“Your old friend Pragyan Ojha has commented that the way Tendulkar and Ganguly’s professional relationship turned into a friendship by opening the innings together, Shikhar and you have part of a friendship too. Tell us something about it?” the reporter asked the India captain.
Rohit gave a funny answer and said: “Pragyan? Pragyan aaj kal commentary karne laga hai kya? Sahi hai, chalo achhi baat hai (Pragyan? Has he started doing commentary? Well, alright, it’s good).”
Former India spinner Pragyan Ojha in a Jamie Alter on his Glance talk show, The Alternate View, had said that Shikhar Dhawan should open with Rohit Sharma in the ODIs.
“I am seeing the right signs. When you look at a senior player, you have to see what is happening to them. He’s in the mix [for the 2023 ODI World Cup] and now, when the seniors are not there and he is just playing one format. He’s the captain, the leader of the pack, and the batting which looked rusty in England is now looking better… he is trying to get into that space. It is clear that Rohit Sharma wants Shikhar because they both have very good partnerships,” said Ojha.
He added, “They have both done a brilliant job together. I think in world cricket they are third or fourth [sic: fourth highest in ODIs as an opening pair] and Rohit believes that if someone is consistently performing or has done really well over the years, he can’t be discarded. Rohit definitely gives you that cushion and it’s a good thing, because in ICC events, you need that little bit of experience. Rohit has said this and he is sticking to it. I am confident that Shikhar will be in the mix unless there is some forced change.”
