Following a series of disappointing campaigns in 2004, 2006, and 2009, India entered the 2013 Champions Trophy in England with a sense of cautious optimism, buoyed by a 3-2 series victory over England. This series was particularly significant as it marked the establishment of Rohit Sharma as a permanent opener in white-ball cricket.

The decision to open with Rohit during the 2010-11 tour of South Africa was abandoned after three unsuccessful attempts, resulting in his omission from the squad that won the 2011 World Cup. Upon his return after the World Cup, Rohit displayed inconsistent performances in the middle order until he was reinstated as an opener against England in Mohali in January 2013, where he made a notable contribution with a match-winning score of 83.

At the Champions Trophy, Rohit was joined by another relatively inexperienced international opener, Shikhar Dhawan. Dhawan had been dropped in June 2011 after only five appearances, including a score of 51 in his second match against the West Indies in Port of Spain. However, in a surprising yet fortuitous decision, he was paired with Rohit at the top of the batting order for the first time during the Champions Trophy.

This partnership proved to be exceptionally successful. The right-handed Rohit and the left-handed Dhawan complemented each other perfectly, effectively dismantling opposing bowling attacks. Together, they rank fourth among opening pairs in terms of ODI runs, amassing 5,148 runs from 115 innings, including 18-century partnerships. Only the legendary duo of Sachin Tendulkar and Sourav Ganguly has more century partnerships, with 21, while their average stands at an impressive 45.55.

A match made in heaven

The inaugural One Day International (ODI) between the two teams took place at Sophia Gardens in Cardiff, marking an impressive beginning.

India recognized the necessity of making a significant impact in the tournament's opening match against a strong South African team led by AB de Villiers. Batting first on a fresh pitch, the debutant duo approached their innings with caution. However, once they settled in, runs began to accumulate rapidly from both ends. The pair consistently found the boundary, creating considerable challenges for de Villiers as his four-pronged pace attack, comprising Morne Morkel, Lonwabo Tsotsobe, Rory Kleinveldt, and Ryan McLaren, struggled to maintain control.

Rohit Sharma was dismissed after scoring a stylish 65, contributing to a first-wicket partnership of 127 runs at a run-a-ball pace. Nevertheless, Dhawan was determined to achieve his maiden ODI century. The left-handed batsman from Delhi reached his first fifty in 44 balls and then accelerated to complete his century in just 36 additional deliveries, ultimately scoring an impressive 114 runs off 94 balls (12 fours and 1 six). Contributions from Virat Kohli and captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni inspired Ravindra Jadeja to deliver a remarkable unbeaten 47 runs from only 29 balls, culminating in India finishing at 331 for seven.

South Africa possessed the batting strength to challenge this total on an excellent pitch, but Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Umesh Yadav each took a wicket in their opening spells, leaving the Proteas at 31 for two. Aware of the necessity to keep up with the demanding run rate, they elevated Robin Peterson, primarily a left-arm spinner, to the No. 3 position as a pinch-hitter, and he executed his role effectively alongside his captain, one of the most innovative and dangerous batsmen of his era.

Peterson and de Villiers created several tense moments for India during their partnership of 124 runs, which came at a rapid pace. In addition to hitting boundaries, they ran exceptionally well between the wickets, applying pressure on the Indian fielders, who responded admirably. A number of young players performed commendably, with Jadeja's brilliance standing out as always. As Peterson struck Ravichandran Ashwin...

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