In a recent revelation from his autobiography, former Indian opener Shikhar Dhawan shared an intriguing anecdote from his early cricketing days, specifically during India A's tour to Australia in 2006. The incident involves a blossoming romance, a shared hotel room with Rohit Sharma, and some stealthy "smuggling" of his then-girlfriend.

Dhawan recounted meeting a "beautiful woman" named Ellen (not her real name) at the airport upon landing in Darwin. He described her as a tall brunette with sharp features, and he felt instantly smitten. Their conversation led to exchanging numbers, and soon they were regularly meeting up. As their connection deepened, Dhawan began sneaking Ellen into his hotel room, which he was sharing with none other than Rohit Sharma.

According to Dhawan, Rohit would often grumble in Hindi, "Will you let me sleep?". Ellen, of course, didn't understand the language, but Dhawan mentioned that they would try to keep the noise down after that. The situation added a humorous layer to the dynamic between the two cricketers, showcasing a glimpse into their camaraderie and the lighter side of touring life.

The escapades didn't go unnoticed for long. Dhawan recalls one evening when he was heading for dinner with Ellen, news of their relationship had already spread throughout the squad. A senior national selector spotted them walking hand-in-hand in the lobby, further solidifying the buzz around Dhawan's love life.

Dhawan also reflected on how this relationship impacted his game. He admitted that his focus started to waver, and his performances on the field began to decline. This experience served as a learning curve for the young cricketer, highlighting the importance of maintaining focus and balance, especially during professional tours.

Furthermore, Dhawan shared how introducing Ellen to his parents led to some family drama. His parents were taken aback by his relationship and were not initially supportive. One of his relatives even stopped visiting his family, feeling that Dhawan was not setting a good example for their children. This emphasizes the cultural context and the challenges Dhawan faced in navigating his personal life alongside his burgeoning cricket career.

Despite the initial hurdles, Dhawan's relationship with Ellen taught him valuable lessons about love, life, and the importance of staying true to oneself. It also provided a humorous story that he can now share, offering fans a peek into the personal lives of their favorite cricketers. The anecdote paints a vivid picture of a young Dhawan, head-over-heels in love, navigating the challenges of a cricket tour, and sharing a room with a teammate who just wanted to get some sleep.