Remembering Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma's Most Successful ODI Partnerships
2024-09-09
The partnership between Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma in One Day Internationals (ODIs) is regarded as one of the finest in cricket history. Both have unparalleled chemistry at the top of the order, providing India with some crucial starts in pressure matches. Their ability to complement each other’s style made them one of the most successful opening pairs in world cricket. Let’s revisit five of their most memorable partnerships that have left an indelible mark on the game.
176 Runs against Australia – October 2013
At the top of the list is the incredible 176-run stand between Dhawan and Rohit against Australia in Jaipur
during the
second ODI of a seven-match series in October 2013. This partnership was instrumental in helping India chase
down a
mammoth target of 360 in just 43.3 overs, a feat that remains one of the highest successful run chases in
ODI history.
Rohit was in sensational form, smashing an unbeaten 141 off 123 balls with 17 fours and four sixes. Dhawan
played his
part as well, scoring 95 off 86 deliveries, and hitting 14 boundaries before he was dismissed. With the
openers setting
the tone, Virat Kohli blasted a 52-ball century, leading India to a historic nine-wicket victory.
This partnership is iconic for its audacity, with Dhawan and Rohit playing fearlessly in a daunting chase,
which was
made to look effortless.
210 Runs against Pakistan – Asia Cup, 2018
One of India’s finest demolition jobs came in the 2018 Asia Cup Super Four, where Dhawan and Rohit turned
the Pakistan
bowling attack into a highlight reel of misery. Chasing a modest 238, the duo casually put on a 210-run
masterclass,
making it look as easy as backyard cricket.
Dhawan was in relentless form, blasting 114 off 100 balls with 16 fours and two sixes. Rohit, equally
impressive, scored
an unbeaten 111 from 119 balls, featuring seven boundaries and four sixes. Their dominant partnership guided
India to
chase down the target with nine wickets in hand and more than ten overs to spare. The only way to break
their stand was
through a run-out, and Dhawan fell victim to a mix-up.
This partnership is fondly remembered for its sheer dominance, as it came in a high-pressure India-Pakistan
match,
making it even more special.
127 Runs against South Africa – Champions Trophy, 2013
The 2013 Champions Trophy was a tournament that marked the official arrival of the Dhawan-Rohit opening
combination, and
their stand against South Africa in the opening match of the tournament was a key moment in this journey.
South Africa’s decision to bowl first was like handing Dhawan and Rohit the keys to a run-fest! The Indian
openers
blasted a 127-run partnership in just over 21 overs, making the bowlers look like they’d stepped into a
batting
practice. Dhawan racked up his first ODI century with a swashbuckling 114 off 94 balls, and Rohit backed him
up with 65
from 81 balls.
Their partnership helped India post a formidable total of 331/7, which proved too much for South Africa, who
were
restricted to 305 in response. This match kickstarted India’s successful campaign in the tournament, with
Dhawan
emerging as the Player of the Match for his sublime century.
