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.

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

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.