Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma
Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan reckons that the reason behind Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma's extremely successful opening partnership is their ability to play to each other's strengths.
The destructive Indian opening pairing of Rohit and Dhawan has ruled world cricket in limited-overs since they started batting together in 2013.
"We know Shikhar plays very freely. He gives time to Rohit Sharma. We all know how Rohit Sharma is able to change gears very quickly, but he takes time early on," Pathan said on Star Sports' 'Cricket Connected'.
Pathan said both the players are aware of the each other's game and abilities and that makes a huge difference.
"In cricket you need someone at the other end to understand your strengths and weakness. Shikhar understands when Rohit Sharma needs time, for at least the few overs to get himself going," he added.
"So, he used to take the charge and I think that's what makes him successful. And as soon as the spinners came and Rohit Sharma got settled, he took all the pressure away from Shikhar Dhawan, so that's why the whole camaraderie really, really went on well for Team India for so many years," Pathan said.
Rohit and Dhawan have batted in 107 innings as openers, scoring 4802 runs at 45.30, only behind the pair of Sachin Tendulkar and Sourav Ganguly in terms of most runs scored by an opening combination. The run tally includes 16 centuries and 14 half-century partnerships.
With 16 century stands between them, the Indian duo are joint second with Adam Gilchrist and Matthew Hayden in the most hundred-run partnerships in the list led by compatriots Sachin Tendulkar and Sourav Ganguly (21).
Rohit and Dhawan have batted in 107 innings as openers, scoring 4802 runs at 45.30, only behind the pair of Sachin Tendulkar and Sourav Ganguly in terms of most runs scored by an opening combination. The run tally includes 16 centuries and 14 half-century partnerships.
With 16 century stands between them, the Indian duo are joint second with Adam Gilchrist and Matthew Hayden in the most hundred-run partnerships in the list led by compatriots Sachin Tendulkar and Sourav Ganguly (21).
(with PTI inputs)
