What Are the Most Memorable Dhawan-Kohli ODI Partnerships?

2024-09-06

The partnership between Shikhar Dhawan and Virat Kohli has been one of the most formidable combinations in Indian ODI cricket history. Their ability to forge strong, match-winning stands has often been a game-changer for India. Let’s dive into the top five most memorable Dhawan-Kohli ODI partnerships, showcasing their remarkable synergy and key contributions to Indian cricket.

212 against Australia

One of their most memorable partnerships unfolded in a high-pressure match against Australia in Canberra in 2016. Pursuing a formidable target of 349, the Indian top order, featuring Dhawan and Kohli, delivered a valiant effort. They combined for an impressive 212-run stand for the second wicket, with Dhawan scoring 126 and Kohli adding 106. Although their stellar performances formed the backbone of India’s chase, a middle-order collapse ultimately led to a 25-run defeat. Nonetheless, their partnership stood out as a significant highlight in an otherwise challenging series.

129 against Pakistan

The 2015 World Cup encounter against Pakistan at Adelaide saw another memorable partnership between Dhawan and Kohli. After losing Rohit Sharma early, Kohli and Dhawan combined for a crucial 129-run stand. Kohli’s century (107) was his 22nd ODI ton, and Dhawan’s 73 off 76 balls provided the necessary support. India set a target of 301, which Pakistan could not chase, being bowled out for 224. Mohammed Shami’s brilliant bowling performance was instrumental in India’s win, but the Dhawan-Kohli partnership was crucial in setting up the total.

197* against Sri Lanka

In a remarkable display of run-chase mastery, Shikhar Dhawan and Virat Kohli showcased their exceptional skills against Sri Lanka in Dambulla in 2017. With a target of 217 set after an early dismissal of Rohit Sharma, Dhawan and Kohli forged an unbeaten 197-run partnership, setting a new record. Dhawan’s brilliant 132 not out and Kohli’s unbeaten 82 led India to a commanding nine-wicket victory, demonstrating their effortless ability to chase down targets with finesse.

158 against South Africa

During India's historic 5-1 ODI series victory over South Africa in 2018, Dhawan and Kohli played a pivotal role. After Rohit Sharma’s early dismissal, Kohli and Dhawan combined for a 158-run partnership. Dhawan’s brilliant century (109) provided a solid foundation, but key South African wickets and rain interruptions kept India to 289/7. South Africa’s Heinrich Klaasen and Andile Phehlukwayo managed to chase down the target in a rain-affected match, marking the only defeat for India in the series.

119 against Australia

In the 2016 ODI series against Australia, the Indian batting lineup struggled, but the duo of Dhawan and Kohli provided a much-needed boost. With Rohit Sharma out early, Kohli and Dhawan joined forces to form a solid 119-run stand for the second wicket. Kohli was in splendid form, reaching his century at a run-a-ball pace, crossing 7,000 ODI runs in just 161 matches. Dhawan contributed with 68 runs off 91 balls. Despite their efforts, Australia chased down the target of 296 with three wickets to spare, thanks to Glenn Maxwell's explosive innings of 96.

Shikhar Dhawan and Virat Kohli’s partnerships have provided some of the most memorable moments in ODI cricket. Each of these partnerships highlights their crucial roles in various matches, showing why they remain one of India’s most celebrated batting duos.