In a touching tribute, India’s cricket captain Rohit Sharma took to social media platform ‘X’, formerly known as Twitter, to bid a heartfelt farewell to his former opening partner Shikhar Dhawan. The poignant post included a series of throwback pictures and a moving caption, emphasizing the strong camaraderie shared by the two cricketers over their illustrious careers.
Rohit wrote, “From sharing rooms to sharing lifetime memories on the field. You always made my job easier from the other end. THE ULTIMATE JATT,” reflecting the deep bond and mutual respect between the star players.
Shikhar Dhawan, fondly known as ‘Gabbar’ in cricketing circles, announced his retirement from all forms of international and domestic cricket on Saturday, August 24. This marked the end of a significant chapter in Indian cricket. Dhawan’s final appearance in an Indian jersey came during a Test match against Bangladesh in December 2022.
The partnership between Rohit and Shikhar is legendary, both on and off the field. The duo opened for India in ODIs in 115 innings, accumulating an impressive 5148 runs at an average of 45.55. Their partnership is celebrated as the fourth-most successful in the history of ODI cricket, only surpassed by the likes of Sourav Ganguly and Sachin Tendulkar, Matthew Hayden and Adam Gilchrist, and Gordon Greenidge and Desmond Haynes.
Their cooperation extended beyond 50-over matches. In T20 Internationals, the pair opened in 52 innings for India, amassing 1743 runs. Throughout their partnership, they recorded four-century stands and seven half-century stands, showcasing their consistency and synergy. They also rank as the fourth-most successful pair in T20I history, trailing behind combinations such as Pakistan’s Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, Ireland’s Andy Balbirnie and Paul Stirling, and India’s own KL Rahul and Rohit Sharma.
Shikhar Dhawan’s decision to retire didn’t come as a complete surprise to those following his career.
. Over the years, his performances have laid a solid foundation for Indian cricket, particularly in the game’s shorter formats. His explosive batting style and dependable presence at the top of the order made him a linchpin in the Indian lineup.
Dhawan’s retirement is a reflective moment not just for his legions of fans but also for his teammates and opponents who respected his cricketing prowess. His contributions transcended mere statistics; he provided stability and flair to the Indian top order, often setting the stage for his team’s innings. This sense of reliability and aggression at the top is what made his partnership with Rohit Sharma so invaluable to Indian cricket.
The bond between Rohit and Shikhar is emblematic of the spirit of teamwork that cricket espouses. Both players complemented each other perfectly; where Shikhar’s aggressive stroke play would dominate initial overs, Rohit’s calculated and steady approach would anchor the innings, providing a balanced yet formidable opening combination.
Reflecting on their illustrious partnership, one cannot overlook some of their remarkable performances that have etched their names in cricketing folklore. For instance, in the ICC Champions Trophy 2013, Rohit and Shikhar laid the platform for India’s triumph. Their precise execution of shots and coordination became a template for opening duos worldwide.
With Shikhar exiting from the game, the spotlight now not only acknowledges his individual achievements but also the beautiful symphony created with Rohit at the crease. Their cricketing journey, filled with records, memories, and seamless synergy, stands as a testimonial to their dedication, hard work, and understanding of the game.
As Shikhar steps away from the international stage, he leaves behind a legacy that will inspire future generations of cricketers. For Rohit Sharma and millions of cricket enthusiasts, Shikhar Dhawan will always remain ‘The Ultimate Jatt’—a resolute warrior and a cherished opening partner whose contributions to cricket are both remarkable and unforgettable.
In sum, the cricketing world bids adieu to a stalwart whose impact on the game, blended with his joyful and aggressive presence on the field, will be remembered for years to come. Rohit Sharma’s tribute is more than just a farewell; it’s a chapter in the rich annals of cricket history, celebrating a partnership that defined an era of Indian cricket.
