In one of the more candid confessions in his newly released memoir “The One: Cricket, My Life and More”, former India opener Shikhar Dhawan revealed a humorous yet controversial anecdote involving Rohit Sharma during the 2006 India A tour of Australia.
A Tour to Remember for More Than Just Cricket
During the 2006 India A tour of Australia, a young Dhawan found himself enamored by a woman he met at the Darwin airport. Describing her as a “divine brunette with sharp features,” Dhawan explained how a simple smile turned into frequent meetings, parties, and eventually, sneaking her into his hotel room — which he was sharing with none other than Rohit Sharma.
“After every game, I would go over to meet Ellen, and I soon started smuggling her into my hotel room. Rohit would occasionally complain in Hindi, ‘Will you let me sleep?’” Dhawan wrote.
The Secret That Didn’t Stay Secret
Dhawan admitted that the relationship quickly became a talking point within the squad. A dinner date with the woman — whom he identified as Ellen — caught the attention of a senior national selector, who saw them walking hand-in-hand in the hotel lobby.
“It didn’t even occur to me to let go of her hand. We weren’t committing any crime,” Dhawan noted.
A Love Story That May Have Cost Him a Call-Up
While the budding romance gave Dhawan emotional highs, it also came with professional consequences. The batter acknowledged that his focus shifted, leading to inconsistent performances.
“If I had performed consistently, I may have made it to the senior Indian side. But my performance kept dipping,” he admitted.
A Glorious Yet Grounded Career
Despite that missed opportunity, Dhawan went on to represent India in over 250 international matches, making a name especially in ICC tournaments like the 2013 and 2017 Champions Trophy. He retired in 2024, leaving behind a legacy marked by explosive starts, elegance, and now — a few eyebrow-raising memoir moments.
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