In the hallowed halls of Indian cricket, the opening gambit has long been dominated by iconic figures like Sunil Gavaskar, Virender Sehwag, Sachin Tendulkar, and Rohit Sharma. However, behind these towering presences, there have been equally indispensable partners who have played a crucial role in shaping the team’s success.
One such unsung hero is Shikhar Dhawan, who has forged a formidable alliance with Rohit Sharma in limited-overs cricket, particularly ODIs. Dhawan’s contributions have often been overshadowed by the brilliance of his illustrious teammates, but his impact on the team’s fortunes cannot be understated.
Like many of his predecessors, Dhawan had to endure a period of apprenticeship before breaking into the senior India team. Despite being an outstanding under-19 player, he had to wait until 2010 to make his ODI debut against Australia. The occasion was marked by a duck, but Dhawan persevered and eventually made his Test debut against the same opposition in 2013.
Dhawan’s Test career was marked by a mix of brilliance and inconsistency. His 2,315 runs at an average of 40.61 offered welcome stability, but his tendency to get out early in his innings often cost India valuable wickets. In ODIs, however, Dhawan was a different beast.
With his aggressive style of play, Dhawan quickly established himself as a key member of India’s ODI team. His ability to score runs at a rapid pace and his penchant for big hits made him a nightmare for opposition bowlers. In 146 ODIs, Dhawan amassed 6,793 runs at an average of 44.11, with 17 centuries and a strike rate of 91.35.
Dhawan’s partnership with Rohit Sharma was one of the most successful in ODI history. Together, they stitched together 5,148 runs, averaging 45.55, and are placed fourth in the all-time list of opening partnerships. Their chemistry on and off the field was evident, and they played a pivotal role in India’s 2013 Champions Trophy triumph.
Despite his success in ODIs, Dhawan’s Test career never quite reached the same heights. His aggressive approach often led to his downfall, and he struggled to adapt to the demands of the longer format. In 34 Tests, he scored 2,315 runs at an average of 40.61, with seven centuries.
In T20Is and the Indian Premier League, Dhawan was also a force to be reckoned with. His ability to score runs quickly and his versatility made him a valuable asset to any team. He was always ready to step up and lead when his fellow batting stars were unavailable.
Dhawan’s retirement from international cricket in August 2023 marked the end of an era. He will be remembered as a flamboyant opener in ODIs and a reasonably effective one in Tests. His tale will always be a story of respect in retrospect, and his teammates will miss him dearly.
