Cricket

In the hallowed halls of Indian cricket, the opening gambit has long been dominated by iconic figures like Sunil Gavaskar, Virender Sehwag, Sachin Tendulkar, and Rohit Sharma. However, behind these towering presences, there have been equally indispensable partners who have played a crucial role in shaping the team's success.One such unsung hero is Shikhar Dhawan, who has forged a formidable alliance with Rohit Sharma in limited-overs cricket, particularly ODIs. Dhawan's contributions have often been overshadowed by the brilliance of his illustrious teammates, but his impact on the team's fortunes cannot be understated.Like many of his predecessors, Dhawan had to endure a period of apprenticeship before breaking into the senior India team. Despite being an outstanding under-19 player, he had to wait until 2010 to make his ODI debut against Australia. The occasion was marked by a duck, but Dhawan persevered and eventually made his Test debut against the same opposition in 2013.Dhawan's Test career was marked by a mix of brilliance and inconsistency. His 2,315 runs at an average of 40.61 offered welcome stability, but his tendency to get out early in his innings often cost India valuable wickets. In ODIs, however, Dhawan was a different beast.With his aggressive style of play, Dhawan quickly established himself as a key member of India's ODI team. His ability to score runs at a rapid pace and his penchant for big hits made him a nightmare for opposition bowlers. In 146 ODIs, Dhawan amassed 6,793 runs at an average of 44.11, with 17 centuries and a strike rate of 91.35.Dhawan's partnership with Rohit Sharma was one of the most successful in ODI history. Together, they stitched together 5,148 runs, averaging 45.55, and are placed fourth in the all-time list of opening partnerships. Their chemistry on and off the field was evident, and they played a pivotal role in India's 2013 Champions Trophy triumph.Despite his success in ODIs, Dhawan's Test career never quite reached the same heights. His aggressive approach often led to his downfall, and he struggled to adapt to the demands of the longer format. In 34 Tests, he scored 2,315 runs at an average of 40.61, with seven centuries.In T20Is and the Indian Premier League, Dhawan was also a force to be reckoned with. His ability to score runs quickly and his versatility made him a valuable asset to any team. He was always ready to step up and lead when his fellow batting stars were unavailable.Dhawan's retirement from international cricket in August 2023 marked the end of an era. He will be remembered as a flamboyant opener in ODIs and a reasonably effective one in Tests. His tale will always be a story of respect in retrospect, and his teammates will miss him dearly.

Shikhar Dhawan Recalls Fond Memories with Rohit Sharma on Friendship DayOn the occasion of Friendship Day, Indian cricketer Shikhar Dhawan shared heartwarming anecdotes about his camaraderie with India captain Rohit Sharma. In a video released by Star Sports, Dhawan expressed his admiration for Sharma, calling him his favorite opening partner."I have opened with him for 8-10 years, so I have a strong bond with him. He is a gem of a person," said Dhawan.Dhawan recalled a particular moment that brought them closer on the field. "He used to like it a lot whenever I sang one particular song, 'putt jattan de bulaonde bakre'. So he would look at me and then sing the same song. It's one moment that repeated often."Dhawan sang a few lines from the song, which he used to sing and then laugh.Despite his absence from the national team for over a year, Dhawan remains a respected figure in Indian cricket. He has played 34 Tests, 167 ODIs, and 68 T20Is for India, scoring 2315, 6793, and 1759 runs respectively.Dhawan's bond with Sharma extends beyond the cricket field. They have been friends for many years and share a mutual respect for each other's abilities.

Phil Salt, a rising star in English cricket, is set to make a special return to Barbados, the place where he spent his formative years. Fourteen years after witnessing England's triumph in the 2010 World T20 from the stands, Salt is now an integral part of the team aiming to defend their title at the same venue.Salt's journey to international stardom began in Barbados, where he honed his skills from the age of nine to 15. Despite not being a native Bajan like Jofra Archer and Chris Jordan, Salt acknowledges the profound impact the island has had on his life and career."To be back here and have the opportunity to play for England in a World Cup is a dream come true," Salt said. "Barbados has always been a special place for me, and I'm grateful for the experiences I had here."Salt's rise to prominence has been marked by a combination of factors, including increased experience in international cricket, a keen analysis of his strengths and weaknesses, and a mindset shift towards becoming a game-changer for England."I've realized that I want to be the person winning more games for my country," Salt said. "I'm not afraid to take risks and play aggressively, but I also understand the importance of staying grounded and focusing on one ball at a time."Salt's partnership with England captain Jos Buttler has been instrumental in his growth. The duo has forged a formidable opening stand, showcasing their complementary styles and ability to adapt to different situations."We communicate a lot out there and realize that when one goes, we feed the strike to the other person," Salt said. "It's a partnership based on trust and understanding."As England embarks on their World T20 title defense, Salt is confident in his team's abilities. He draws inspiration from the 2010 triumph, where the opening partnership played a pivotal role."I remember watching Craig Kieswetter and Michael Lumb in that final," Salt said. "They were incredible, and I've always tried to emulate their fearless approach."If Salt and Buttler can replicate the success of their predecessors, England will have a strong chance of lifting the trophy once again. And for Salt, it would be a dream come true, fulfilling the childhood aspirations he had while watching that memorable final in Barbados.