'These small communications are very important' - Shikhar Dhawan on role of Shubman Gill as Rohit Sharma's opening partner
"Rohit enjoys playing with youngsters and he must be sharing his many years of experience with them," said Dhawan via JioHotstar.
Former India opener Shikhar Dhawan marked his retirement from international cricket in 2024 after being on the sidelines for almost two years. Ever since Dhawan's ouster, Shubman Gill has become India's preferred opening batter alongside Rohit Sharma, at least in the One-Day Internationals (ODIs), and his records speak for themselves.
In 52 ODIs so far, Gill has amassed 2734 runs at an exceptional average of 62.13, including eight centuries and fifteen half-centuries. The Punjab batter also has a double hundred in the format, which came against Sri Lanka back in January 2023 in Trivandrum. Alongside partner and skipper Rohit Sharma, Gill has formed the perfect duo to contribute in 1976 runs together in 31 innings at an average of 65.86, which also includes six 100-plus partnerships to go with, which is very impressive.
Meanwhile, Dhawan has touted that he loves to watch the batting of Shubman Gill, and finds elements of class and elegance in Gill's style of play. The Delhi-born also feels that Rohit's ability to open up well with youngsters is also helping the team's cause, as the experience helps the younger batters get groomed at a better rate in such situations.
“I simply love Shubman Gill's batting, it's very classy and there's elegance in his batting. And there's consistency, it feels good to see that there's so much professionalism. There are young boys, they know how to play their role well and are making back -to -back runs. He's got a great present and future for India. Rohit enjoys playing with youngsters, and he must be sharing his many years of experience with them. I'm sure he must be patting them (on the back) and telling them how to play in given situations. These small communications are very important” Dhawan said via JioHotstar.
Great opportunity for Harshit Rana in Bumrah's absence: Dhawan
Like Gill's importance as an opener with the bat, India have a pacer in Jasprit Bumrah to open with some fiery spells and strike right away. However, just ahead of the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy 2025, Bumrah had to withdraw out of the competition owing to a back injury, making way for young pacer Harshit Rana. Dhawan feels that the passion and aggression of Rana will help the Men in Blue early, despite the void left by Bumrah's absence in the dressing room.
Shikhar Dhawan on Harshit Rana getting an opportunity in Jasprit Bumrah's absence “Jasprit Bumrah is a very big name, a very big bowler. He is such a consistent performer there. Of course, his presence was missed a lot. Whether anybody says anything or not, I feel 100 % that his presence is very important. It is a very good platform for Harshit Rana. He has a passion and aggression, and I like the way he picks up wickets. Great opportunity for him, there’s Rohit's guidance, and Virat as well. He should learn from them and hold on to this opportunity.”
Both Rana and Gill are set to feature in India's last league stage game against New Zealand on Sunday, March 02. The match will be played at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai, and the game will be a confidence booster for both the sides, who have already qualified for the semi-finals.
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