Former Indian batter Suresh Raina recalled how Rohit Sharma-Shikhar Dhawan’s opening alliance played a key role in India’s 2013 Champions Trophy triumph. Rohit was promoted to open the innings in ODIs by former skipper MS Dhoni and the right-hander was able to grab his chance with both hands.

While Dhawan top-scored in the tournament with 353 runs in five matches at an impressive average of 90.75, Rohit amassed 177 runs in as many games at 35.40. Thus, the duo gave a solid start to the team in almost all the matches.

The right-left-hand batting combination added 127 runs in the opening match against South Africa at Sophia Garden, Cardiff.

Raina said on JioHotstar, “That was a masterstroke. Just look at the way they batted—they focused on timing rather than forcing shots. They attacked when the delivery deserved it. Rohit, technically very sound, wore the ball down before accelerating, while Shikhar stepped out and took on the bowlers. Left-right combinations always trouble bowlers, and Shikhar was an aggressive striker in his own way. Rohit could hit a six whenever he wanted.”

“Their partnerships were effortless. A 100-run stand quickly turned into 150. They trusted each other’s calls and had great understanding, which made a huge difference.”

Raina said Rohit worked extremely hard on his batting after he could not make it to India’s squad for the 2011 ODI World Cup.

“He worked incredibly hard on his batting, had long discussions with Duncan (Fletcher), and shared a great rapport with MS (Dhoni). Big tournaments create big players. He wasn’t in the 2011 World Cup squad, but when the 2013 Champions Trophy arrived, he grabbed the opportunity — and he still holds that opening spot,” said Raina.

India will begin their Champions Trophy campaign against Bangladesh in Dubai on February 20.