Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan were among India’s most successful opening pairs in ODIs. Their partnership started in the 2013 Champions Trophy and continued for nearly a decade, delivering many match-winning performances. This article compares their records in the Champions Trophy, highlighting who performed better in the prestigious tournament.
Rohit Sharma & Shikhar Dhawan as an Opening Pair
Rohit and Dhawan opened in 115 ODIs, scoring 5,148 runs at an average of 45.55. Their partnership included 18 century stands and 15 fifty-run partnerships, with a highest stand of 210 runs. They are one of only four opening pairs to cross 5,000 partnership runs, trailing Ganguly-Tendulkar’s record of 6,609 runs.
With Dhawan retired from all formats, Rohit will lead India in the 2025 Champions Trophy, making this comparison even more relevant.
Champions Trophy Performance: Who Scored More?
Both players played 10 matches in the tournament. Their stats are as follows:
- Rohit Sharma: 481 runs | Average: 53.44 | Strike Rate: 82.50
- Shikhar Dhawan: 701 runs | Average: 77.88 | Strike Rate: 101.59
Dhawan clearly leads in runs, average, and strike rate, making him the more impactful batter in the tournament.
50+ Scores in the Champions Trophy
Rohit Sharma’s Performance
Rohit recorded five 50+ scores, including one century and four fifties. His best knock came in the 2017 semifinal against Bangladesh, where he scored 123 off 129 balls*. Other notable scores:
- 91 (119) vs. Pakistan, 2017
- 78 (79) vs. Sri Lanka, 2017
- 65 (81) vs. South Africa, 2013
Shikhar Dhawan’s Performance
Dhawan had six 50+ scores, with three centuries and three fifties. His best knock was 125 (128) against Sri Lanka in 2017. Other key innings:
- 114 (94) vs. South Africa, 2013
- 102 (107)* vs. West Indies, 2013
- 50+ scores against South Africa, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan
Dhawan outperforms Rohit with more centuries and a higher strike rate.
Year-Wise Champions Trophy Stats
2013 Champions Trophy
| Player | Matches | Runs | Average | Strike Rate | Highest Score | 100s | 50s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rohit Sharma | 5 | 177 | 35.40 | 75.96 | 65 | 0 | 2 |
| Shikhar Dhawan | 5 | 363 | 90.75 | 101.39 | 114 | 2 | 1 |
2017 Champions Trophy
| Player | Matches | Runs | Average | Strike Rate | Highest Score | 100s | 50s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rohit Sharma | 5 | 304 | 76.00 | 86.85 | 123* | 1 | 2 |
| Shikhar Dhawan | 5 | 338 | 67.60 | 101.80 | 125 | 1 | 2 |
Dhawan’s 2013 performance was exceptional, while both performed well in 2017.
Champions Trophy Final Records
India played in the 2013 and 2017 finals. While India won in 2013 against England, they suffered a heavy 180-run defeat against Pakistan in 2017.
| Player | Matches | Runs | Average | Strike Rate | Highest Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rohit Sharma | 2 | 9 | 4.50 | 52.94 | 9 |
| Shikhar Dhawan | 2 | 52 | 26.00 | 113.04 | 31 |
Rohit Sharma in Finals
- Scored 9 runs across two innings.
- Dismissed for 9 (14) in 2013.
- Out for a three-ball duck in 2017.
Shikhar Dhawan in Finals
- Scored 31 (24) in 2013.
- Made 21 (22) in 2017.
Dhawan had a better record, though neither produced a standout performance in the final matches.