Rohit Sharma, the legendary Indian batter, might be on the brink of wrapping up one of the most remarkable ODI careers in cricket history. Reports from England indicate that the third and final ODI against
England at Lord's on July 19 could mark Rohit's last appearance for India in this format. This news comes after claims that the selection committee, headed by Ajit Agarkar, along with head coach Gautam Gambhir, shared their long-term vision for the national team with Rohit while in England. If this truly is the end, Rohit leaves behind a legacy filled with innings that transformed ODI batting forever.
From setting world records to delivering masterclasses in the World Cup, Rohit earned a reputation for stepping up when it mattered most. His most memorable ODI innings were not just about the runs scored; they were about the timing, the match situation, and the impact on the game's outcome. Among his standout performances, three double centuries shine brightly, along with two unforgettable World Cup displays that not only defined India's campaigns but also solidified his place as one of the all-time greats in the format.
5 Best ODI Knocks of Rohit Sharma
1. 264 vs Sri Lanka (2014) - Eden Gardens, Kolkata
Rohit Sharma opened the innings with Ajinkya Rahane, starting off a bit slowly as he took his time to find his rhythm. He reached his fifty with patience, and once he hit his century, things really took off. Rohit unleashed a stunning 264 runs off just 173 balls, helping India set a formidable total of 404/5. In response, Sri Lanka could only muster 251 runs, which meant Rohit outscored the entire opposing team by 13 runs. India clinched the victory by a solid 153 runs.
🗓️ #OnThisDay in 2014 Captain Rohit Sharma smashed the highest individual score in ODIs, hammering 264 off 173 deliveries, including 33 fours and 9 sixes 💥#TeamIndia | @ImRo45 pic.twitter.com/J86WxLVAzi
— BCCI (@BCCI) November 13, 2023
2. 209 vs Australia (2013) - Bengaluru
Batting alongside Shikhar Dhawan at the top of the order, Rohit let his partner take the initiative early on before stepping into the spotlight himself. He carefully transitioned from fifty to a hundred, and then, with a fierce determination, unleashed one of the most explosive finishes in ODI cricket history. His remarkable 209 runs propelled India to a formidable total of 383/6, setting the stage for a series-clinching victory. Rohit's surge after reaching his century was crucial, especially on a pitch that favored batters, as Australia struggled to keep pace with India's scoring. In the end, India triumphed by 57 runs.
3. 208* vs Sri Lanka (2017) - Mohali
Rohit and Dhawan set a solid foundation at the top of the order, but it was Rohit who really took off after hitting his century. He finished with an impressive 208 not out off just 153 balls, leading India to a total of 392/4. His partnerships with Dhawan and Shreyas Iyer were crucial, leaving Sri Lanka in the dust as they struggled to keep up, ultimately falling short despite batting through their full innings. India clinched the victory by a comfortable margin of 141 runs.
4. 140 vs Pakistan (2019) - Old Trafford, Manchester
With KL Rahul stepping up to open alongside him after Dhawan's injury, Rohit wasted no time and went on the offensive right from the start. He zoomed to fifty and kept the runs flowing, effortlessly reaching his hundred. His impressive 140 set the stage for India's total of 336/5, while Pakistan struggled to keep up with the required run rate during a rain-affected chase. Rohit's innings had already pushed the game well beyond Pakistan's comfort zone before the weather interruptions hit. In the end, India clinched the victory by 89 runs using the DLS method.
5. 122* vs South Africa (2019) - Southampton
This innings was a different story for Rohit compared to his usual aggressive style. He showed remarkable patience, navigating through tough conditions and almost single-handedly leading India’s chase after starting off with Dhawan. His impressive unbeaten score of 122 helped India surpass 227 runs with six wickets still in hand, making his performance even more remarkable on a pitch where no other batsman managed to score over fifty. In the end, India clinched the match by 6 wickets.
