Rohit Sharma hails Shikhar Dhawan as 'Jatt': 'You made my job easier'
PTC News Desk: India's Test and ODI captain Rohit Sharma paid a heartfelt tribute to Shikhar Dhawan following his retirement from international and domestic cricket. Sharma, who shared the opening slot with Dhawan for several years, expressed his gratitude to the left-handed batsman for making his job easier on the field. Together, the Sharma-Dhawan duo accumulated 5,148 runs in international cricket, making them the fourth-highest-scoring opening pair in the sport’s history.
Rohit Sharma took to Instagram to share his feelings, referring to Dhawan as the "ultimate jatt," a nod to Dhawan’s vibrant and charismatic personality both on and off the cricket field. Sharma’s message highlighted the camaraderie and lifelong memories they created during their time playing for India.
"From sharing rooms to sharing lifetime memories on the field. You always made my job easier from the other end. THE ULTIMATE JATT," Rohit Sharma wrote on Instagram, reflecting on their close partnership and shared experiences.
Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma are celebrated as two of India's most successful cricketers, forming a formidable opening partnership that significantly contributed to India’s cricketing achievements. Known as one of the most prolific opening pairs in ODI history, they scored 5,148 runs in 115 innings together, boasting an average of over 44.
Their partnership began in earnest during the 2013 Champions Trophy, where they first made a significant impact by putting up a 127-run stand against South Africa in Cardiff. In that match, Dhawan scored his maiden ODI century while Rohit Sharma added a steady 65, marking the beginning of a strong and enduring association between the two.
One of the duo's most memorable performances came during the 2018 Asia Cup in a Super Four match against Pakistan, where they compiled a remarkable 210-run partnership. Both Dhawan and Sharma scored centuries in this game, leading India to a commanding nine-wicket victory with 63 balls to spare.
Their partnership wasn’t confined to just ODIs. In Test cricket, Dhawan made an explosive debut against Australia in Mohali in 2013, scoring an impressive 187 runs. His innings were crucial in setting up a six-wicket victory for India in that match.
The on-field chemistry between Dhawan and Sharma was evident in their ability to complement each other's playing styles. Dhawan, known for his aggressive and flamboyant approach, often took charge, while Sharma provided a solid and stylish presence at the other end. This balance allowed them to lay strong foundations for the Indian team, making them a dominant force in international cricket.
Their success was also characterized by consistency and adaptability across different formats and conditions. Whether it was the swinging conditions of the Champions Trophy in England or the dry pitches of the Asia Cup in Dubai, Dhawan and Sharma’s ability to adjust their game to suit various challenges made them a reliable and potent opening pair for India.
Beyond their impressive statistics, the partnership between Dhawan and Sharma was built on mutual trust and understanding developed over years of playing together. They were more than just teammates; they were each other’s support system, often guiding one another through challenging phases of the game. This deep bond was visible in their body language and seamless communication on the field, which played a significant role in their collective success.
Shikhar Dhawan’s retirement marks the end of an era, but his legacy, particularly his remarkable partnership with Rohit Sharma, will remain a cherished chapter in the history of Indian cricket.
- With inputs from agencies
