Irfan Pathan Highlights The Reason That Makes The Partnership of Shikhar Dhawan And Rohit Sharma Successful

Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan has hailed the pair of Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma in terms of understanding each other’s gameplay. The partnership is one of the most successful and also destructive in limited-overs cricket, having manhandled the likes of Australia, Pakistan, and South Africa in particular. Rohit Sharma, in particular, has had an impressive run ever since he moved to the top-order.

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Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan began opening in white-ball cricket for the first time in the 2013 Champions Trophy. The duo was the bedrock and the pillar of success behind their victorious campaign. At present, Rohit and Dhawan are fourth on the list for most runs as openers with 4802. Former Indian captains Sachin Tendulkar and Sourav Ganguly top the list for India with 6609 runs.

Irfan Pathan pointed out that while Rohit Sharma can switch gears rapidly; however, he takes time early on to get going. Keeping that in mind, Dhawan plays relatively freely that gives his partner the time to settle down. Hence, the left-handed batsman takes control and waits for the right-hander at the other end to get in the mode.

“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. In cricket, you need someone at the other end to understand your strengths and weaknesses.

Shikhar understands when Rohit Sharma needs time, for at least a few overs to get himself going. So, he used to take the charge and I think that’s what makes him successful,” Irfan Pathan stated in the Star Sports’ show Cricket Connected.

And as soon as the spinners came and Rohit Sharma got settled: Irfan Pathan

The 35-year old continued by mentioning that as soon as the spinners come into the attack, Rohit Sharma clocks his rhythm. The same takes the pressure off Shikhar and that particular understanding between them has worked exceptionally well for India for several years.

“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,” the Baroda cricketer added.

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