Top 5 Shikhar Dhawan knocks in ODIs

Since making his ODI debut against Australia in 2010, Shikhar Dhawan has come a long way. Following a renaissance of sorts in 2013, he has grown from strength to strength in the 50-over format and established himself as a key batsman for India. Even as wrist-spin and skipper Virat Kohli's astonishing form have garnered all the attention in South Africa, Dhawan's steady contributions at the top of the order have largely slipped under the radar.

The recently completed six-match series against the Proteas saw the left-hander at his sparkling best. Thus far, he has played 102 ODIs and amassed 4361 runs at an impressive average of 45.90 and rapid strike-rate of 93.44 with 13 centuries and 25 fifties. In this segment, let us take a look at five of the best knocks in Dhawan's stellar ODI career thus far. Only performances in winning cause have been taken into consideration.

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#5 97* (81) against England at Edgbaston, 2014

Dhawan put on a massive opening partnership with Ajinkya Rahane

Armed with a 2-0 lead, a resurgent Indian team marched into Edgbaston for the fourth game of their bilateral ODI series against England in the summer of 2014. Bhuvneshwar Kumar's double blow pegged the hosts back to a position from which they could never really recover. Eventually, they were bowled out for a meager total of 206.

Chasing a relatively straightforward target, Dhawan joined hands with makeshift opener Ajinkya Rahane to make a serious statement of intent. Taking the attack to James Anderson, they set the stage for a majestic opening stand.

While his batting partner reached three figures, the left-hander remained unbeaten for a well-made 97 off just 81 balls. Dhawan's knock, which comprised 11 boundaries and 4 sixes, helped put on a match and series winning opening partnership for India.

#4 132* (90) against Sri Lanka at Dambulla, 2017

Dhawan's aggressive century set the tone for India's dominance in Sri Lanka

After inflicting a 3-0 whitewash on a hapless Sri Lankan side in the Test series, India were eager to extend their dominance when the action shifted to the 50-over format. From 139/1, their disciplined bowling unit resulted in the hosts collapsing to 216 all out during the series opening ODI at the Ranagiri Dambulla International Stadium.

When Rohit Sharma perished early, the run-chase did not appear as tricky as it should have been. However, Dhawan took control of the proceedings and hammered the Sri Lankan bowlers to all parts of the ground. He smashed as many as 20 boundaries and 3 sixes. His unbeaten 132 from just 90 balls, along side skipper Virat Kohli's 82, ensured that India sauntered to the target with nine wickets and 127 balls to spare.

#3 100 (102) against Australia in Nagpur, 2013

Dhawan pulverised Australia's bowling attack and helped India overhaul a challenging target

Needing an Indian victory to take the series to a decider, the stage was set for a pulsating clash between the hosts and Australia at the VCA Stadium in Nagpur during the 2013 bilateral series. Much like the preceding matches, the sixth ODI was also played on a batting paradise. Upon electing to bowl first, India found themselves confronted with the prospect of chasing 351.

The in-form opening duo of Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan set about establishing a strong platform for the 'Men in Blue'. In addition to finding the boundary on a regular basis, they rotated the strike adeptly and ensured that the required run-rate was kept within reach.

While Rohit was dismissed after scoring 79, Dhawan reached three figures. The southpaw's 102-ball 100 contained 11 fours. The opening stand of 178 allowed Virat Kohli to go berserk and unleash mayhem on the Australian bowlers.

#2 114 (94) against South Africa at Cardiff, 2013 Champions Trophy

Dhawan scored his maiden ODI century during the opening match of the 2013 Champions Trophy

Following his stunning arrival into Test cricket a few months prior to the 2013 Champions Trophy, a lot was expected of Dhawan when India began their campaign against South Africa at Cardiff. With the Proteas deciding to chase, all the focus honed in on the fresh opening combination of Rohit and Dhawan.

Showing a keen understanding of each other's game, the two openers batted together impressively. While Rohit was watchful at the start of the innings, Dhawan did not take too long before asserting himself on the South African bowlers.

After he lost his opening partner, the left-hander continued India's momentum with Kohli. His 94-ball 114, laced with 12 boundaries and a six, propelled the 'Men in Blue' to a formidable total of 331. The rest, as they say, is history.

#1 137 (146) against South Africa in Melbourne, 2015 World Cup

Dhawan's spectacular knock paved the way for India's historic triumph against South Africa

From three previous attempts spanning between 1992 and 2011, India had not managed to beat South Africa in the World Cup. However, history at the biggest stage of them all was going to change in the 2015 edition. Fresh off a morale-boosting victory against arch-rivals Pakistan, MS Dhoni's team squared off against a star-studded South African unit at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Batting first, India began on a disastrous note as catastrophic miscommunication between Rohit and Dhawan ended in the former getting run out in the third over of the match. With Kohli not at his best of form, the onus fell on the left-hander to shape the Indian innings.

In what was a sparkling display of shot making, Dhawan took on the Proteas head on. He reiterated his aptitude for raising his game to meet big occasions and registered a game-shaping knock at the top of the order. The southpaw's 146-ball 137, inclusive of 16 boundaries and 2 sixes, steered India to 307. Operating as a pack, the Indian bowlers razed South Africa for 177 and completed a memorable victory.