India’s Test and ODI captain Rohit Sharma expressed his heartfelt tribute to his longtime opening partner, Shikhar Dhawan, following Dhawan's retirement from international and domestic cricket. Taking to Instagram, Sharma celebrated Dhawan’s flamboyant personality both on and off the field, referring to him as the 'ultimate jatt.' Sharma also thanked Dhawan for making his life easier while opening together for India, cherishing the countless memories they created during their cricketing careers.

The Rohit-Dhawan duo, one of India’s most successful opening pairs, scored a remarkable 5148 runs together in international cricket—making them the fourth-highest among all opening pairs. Their partnership became a pillar of India’s top-order batting, contributing significantly to the team’s success.

A partnership built on chemistry and success

The partnership between Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan began to flourish during the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy when they opened the innings against South Africa, putting up a 127-run stand. This match marked the beginning of a powerful association that would define Indian cricket for years to come. Dhawan scored his maiden ODI century in that game, with Rohit contributing a solid 65 runs.

"From sharing rooms to sharing lifetime memories on the field. You always made my job easier from the other end. THE ULTIMATE JATT," Rohit Sharma wrote on Instagram on Sunday.

Over the years, their chemistry on the field became a key element in their success, with Dhawan’s aggressive approach complementing Rohit’s stability and flair. Their ability to adapt to different conditions, from the English pitches in the Champions Trophy to the heat of the Asia Cup in Dubai, demonstrated their versatility. One of their standout performances came in the 2018 Asia Cup, where they added 210 runs in a dominant victory against Pakistan, both scoring centuries to lead India to a nine-wicket win.

An unbreakable bond beyond the cricket field

Rohit and Dhawan’s partnership was about more than just the runs they put on the board. It was built on trust, understanding, and an unspoken bond that developed over years of playing together. Whether it was helping each other through difficult phases of a match or communicating effortlessly on the field, their camaraderie was evident.

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Dhawan’s explosive debut in Test cricket against Australia in 2013, where he scored 187 runs in Mohali, was another milestone in their journey together. Their on-field chemistry was not only a source of success but also an inspiration to many cricket fans across the world. As Dhawan bids farewell to his illustrious career, Rohit Sharma’s tribute serves as a reminder of the impact their partnership had on Indian cricket—a legacy that will be remembered for years to come.