Shikhar Dhawan, the swashbuckling Indian opener, has always been known for his jovial nature and candid personality, both on and off the cricket field. In his recently released autobiography, he has shared a rather amusing anecdote from his early days, specifically during India A's tour of Australia in 2006. This incident involves a 'brunette', a shared hotel room with Rohit Sharma, and a rather irritated roommate.
During the tour, Dhawan met a woman he refers to as "Ellen" (not her real name) and felt an instant connection. As he puts it, he was smitten and believed she could be his life partner. "She was very beautiful, and suddenly I was in love again! I thought to myself, 'She is the one for me, and I am going to marry her,'" Dhawan wrote.
As their bond deepened, Dhawan began spending considerable time with Ellen. This led to him "smuggling" her into his hotel room, which he was sharing with none other than Rohit Sharma. Understandably, this arrangement didn't sit too well with the young Rohit, who was trying to focus on his cricket and, perhaps more importantly, get some sleep.
Dhawan recounts that Rohit would often complain, albeit in Hindi, about the situation. "Will you let me sleep?" Rohit would grumble, as Dhawan's romantic escapades disrupted his rest. It’s a humorous glimpse into the early days of two cricketers who would later become a formidable opening partnership for India.
The situation escalated when a senior national selector spotted Dhawan and Ellen walking hand-in-hand in the hotel lobby. Dhawan, caught up in the moment, didn't realize the potential implications of being seen with his girlfriend. News of their relationship quickly spread throughout the squad.
Dhawan reflects that had he performed more consistently on that tour, he might have had a better chance of breaking into the senior national team sooner. However, his focus had shifted, and his priorities were elsewhere.
Despite the potential repercussions, Dhawan doesn't seem to regret his actions. The story is told with a sense of humor and fondness, highlighting his carefree attitude and willingness to follow his heart. It also offers a peek into the camaraderie and dynamics within the Indian cricket team during that era. While Rohit Sharma might have been annoyed at the time, it's likely that the two now share a laugh about the incident. It's a testament to their enduring friendship and the many memories they've created together over the years. The duo went on to form one of the most successful opening partnerships in ODI cricket, accumulating 5148 runs in 115 innings.
