Budget 2016

Shikhar Dhawan Hopes to Better Sachin Tendulkar-Sourav Ganguly Record With Opening Partner Rohit Sharma

Ahead of India's departure for Asia Cup in Bangladesh, Shikhar Dhawan said he and Rohit Sharma would look to not just emulate but surpass the success of the legendary Sachin Tendulkar-Sourav Ganguly pair.

Last updated on Sunday, 21 February, 2016 17:46 IST
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Shikhar Dhawan Rohit Sharma
Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma have been tremendous as India's opening batsmen in limited-overs cricket.

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Kolkata: Their understanding of each other's game improving with every match, Indian opener Shikhar Dhawan on Sunday said he and Rohit Sharma would look to not just emulate but surpass the success of the legendary Sachin Tendulkar-Sourav Ganguly pair. (Dhawan Wants to Carry His Good Form to World Twenty20, Asia Cup)

"Me and Rohit have been opening for a long time. We understand each other very well, we know each other's nature very well. I know what he likes to do in the middle. We are quite comfortable. We both have a lot of strokes so if he plays fast I can play the role of rotating the strike," Dhawan said in the open media session ahead of the team's departure for the Asia Cup in Bangladesh.

"The way Sachin and Sourav had a long career in opening, we can also have that in time. Maybe we can break more records. It's surely going to benefit both of us as well as the country," he added.

Earlier, Rohit had also spoken about emulating the success of the Tendulkar-Ganguly combo.

'Enjoying scoring runs'

Speaking of his own game, Dhawan said he is in a good space having done well in the recent series against both Australia and Sri Lanka.

"I am enjoying that I am scoring runs at the moment. Looking forward to continue in the same way and do better in Asia Cup. I want to continue stretching that good form till the time I can," he said.

"It's a journey, getting more experience and mature with time. With time I am knowing my game better. In bad patches, I tried to stick to those things. I believe in my abilities," he added.

Questions on his famed debut Test hundred against Australia still follow Dhawan, who looks back fondly.

"I was enjoying the flow. no My instincts had taken over my mindset and it worked for me. I feel it's a balance of both," he said.

Also present at the media session was rookie all-rounder Pawan Negi, who can't contain his excitement at being part of the national team.

"It's a big thing to share the dressing room wish great players. I'm enjoying this moment a lot. I am excited to play and will try my best in all three departments," he said.

Story first published on: Sunday, 21 February 2016 17:41 IST

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