I and Rohit Sharma have a very strong bond and friendship: Shikhar Dhawan

Indian batter Shikhar Dhawan heaped praises on Rohit Sharma, saying that he shares a strong bond and friendship with the Indian skipper. The duo have been the long-time opening partners in ODIs for India and they also completed 5,000 runs as a pair in the format. Dhawan called it a “big milestone” in their careers.

Dhawan and Rohit currently stand seventh on the list for most runs scored by a pair in the ODIs. The southpaw said that Rohit and he understands each other’s game and they always look to complement each other.

“It is a big milestone in both our careers and, 9 years on, we have a very strong bond and friendship,” Dhawan told Times of India. “We have played together for so many years that we have come to understand each other’s game and we are always looking to support each other in the nets or on the pitch.” 

To share a milestone with Rohit is a happy feeling: Dhawan

Dhawan and Rohit have together scored 5,170 runs in 116 matches, and they are only 37 runs away from going past the former West Indian pairing of Gordon Greenidge and Desmond Haynes. “Rohit has been a fantastic opening partner and to have a milestone that I share with Rohit is a happy feeling,” added the 36-year-old. 

Dhawan will be in action in the upcoming India tour of Zimbabwe for three ODIs, starting from August 18. India announced the 15-member squad for the tour, and KL Rahul has been named as the captain for the series in the absence of Rohit. For the previous ODI series against West Indies, Dhawan led the Indian team and helped them win 3-0.

Rahul, the vice-captain of the team, was out since mid-June due to a groin injury. Dhawan was initially named as the captain for the Zimbabwe series, but Rahul was handed the skipper duties upon his return.