ROHIT, SHIKHAR START FROM WHERE THEY HAD LEFT IN 2013

BIRMINGHAM: There’s something about the Champions Trophy being played in the UK that brings out the best of Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan’s partnership at the top.

It is in the Champions Trophy that Rohit Sharma first got a chance to open with Dhawan and they complemented each other so well that India went on to win the title in 2013. Since then, the partnership has had its ups and downs, but come the 2017 Champions Trophy and the two are in their elements.

As India started their title defence on Sunday, the two have joined forces again after a long break. And, going by their showing in the first outing against Pakistan they are close to their best with the two stitching together a 136-run partnership in 24.3 overs.

Under overcast conditions in Birmingham, Rohit scored 91 (7 fours and 2 sixes) off 119 balls while Dhawan got 68 off 65 balls with six fours and one six.

Ironically, both had been struggling through the year. Rohit was out of action due to an injury and was playing his first match for India after seven months while Dhawan was battling loss of form.

The most impressive aspect of their partnership on Sunday was how they went about their main job of building the platform for the Indian innings. Pakistan tried the tactics of applying pressure by keeping things tight after electing to bowl, but Rohit and Dhawan negated the plan by showing no hint of panic even when they were not able to break free initially.

Rohit entered the nineties with a four and a six off Wahab Riaz, but was run out nine short of hundred. Dhawan looked solid, while Rohit went about his business in typical fashion.

Before leaving for London, when asked by HT what he would like to maintain from the last edition of the tournament, Virat Kohli had mentioned the good work of the opening combination.