Rohit is now a mature leader who understands when to be forgiving and when to back off: Shikhar Dhawan

Shikhar Dhawan, the former opener for India, recently reflected on his experience winning the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy. Under MS Dhoni’s leadership, India won the tournament in England, and Shikhar Dhawan was a key member of the winning squad. The southpaw also brought up his opening partnership with Rohit Sharma, which dates back to the same competition and lasted for nine years.

Reflecting about his first innings opener with Rohit and their ten years of playing together, Shikhar Dhawan stated that captain Dhoni made the decision. The combo ended up becoming one of India’s most successful opening pairs ever, as luck would have it.

Half a day before the match, the choice regarding the opening pair was made. I was also brand-new at the time, and I was living in my own universe. I needed to do well because I had returned. However, MS Dhoni made the choice and told Rohit to open. I didn’t give it much thought. I assumed we would love batting together if Rohit opened. We had a fantastic start to the first game. Without losing a wicket, we reached 100. Up until the tenth over, we failed to get thirty to thirty-five runs because the wicket was seaming. However, I never imagined that our duo would be that large and that we would play together for a decade.

Shikhar Dhawan stated on JioHotstar and Star Sports’ “The Shikhar Dhawan Experience.”

In response to a question concerning his friendship with opening partner Rohit, Shikhar Dhawan stated that the two had a natural grasp of each other’s game and had hit well from the start.

We have a great degree of mutual trust, understanding, and communication. Our bond is the same on and off the field. After winning so many series, we played together and went out together. As a team, we have played. I participated in the Under-19 World Cup during that entire voyage, even before I played in India, when Rohit was 16–17 years old. Since then, we have remained friends and together.

Shikhar Dhawan also offered his thoughts on Rohit’s leadership, praising his capacity to handle pressure, his ability to bring out the best in his players, and his ability to keep them together.

Twelve years of experience is a lot from 2013 to 2025. Rohit has experienced a great deal. He is skilled at rallying the boys and working under duress. He has grown up as a leader and understands when to be forgiving and when to back off. Rohit’s relationship with the boys is incredible, and there’s a delicate balance. We’re in a fantastic position,” Dhawan stated.