Indian skipper, Rohit Sharma made a commanding return to form, scoring a scintillating century against England in the second ODI at Cuttack on Sunday.
His 119-run knock not only steered India to a four-wicket victory but also elevated him into the elite top 10 list of run-getters in One Day Internationals (ODIs), surpassing Rahul Dravid.
Rohit enthralled spectators with an explosive innings comprising 12 boundaries and seven towering sixes off just 90 balls, at an impressive strike rate of 132.22.
The Cuttack crowd, witnessing his resurgence, erupted as the Hitman meticulously dismantled England's bowling attack.
In 267 ODIs, Rohit has amassed 10,987 runs at an average of 49.26 and a strike rate of 92.70, including 32 centuries and 57 fifties, with a best score of 264.
Rahul Dravid, on the other hand, concluded his career with 10,889 runs in 344 matches at an average of 39.16, with 12 centuries.
Notably, Rohit also eclipsed cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar as the second-highest run-getter for India as an opener in international cricket.
With 15,404 runs in 343 matches, Rohit surpassed Tendulkar's 15,335 runs from 346 matches.
While Tendulkar still holds a slightly better average of 48.07, Rohit now trails only Virender Sehwag, who tops the Indian opener chart with 15,758 runs in 321 matches.
Also read: India clinches ODI series as Rohit’s ton sinks England
Speaking about India's victory, Rohit said, "Every minute spent out there was special. I just wanted to enjoy my game and contribute. The team has been phenomenal."
England, having won the toss, posted a competitive total of 304 runs. Joe Root (69 off 72 balls) and Ben Duckett (65 off 56 balls) laid the foundation for England's innings. Liam Livingstone (41 off 32 balls) and Jos Buttler (34 off 35 balls) provided crucial contributions.
Ravindra Jadeja spearheaded India's bowling attack with three wickets in his 10-over spell, containing England's aggressive batting line-up.
During India's chase, Rohit and Shubman Gill forged a solid 136-run partnership. Gill contributed a composed 60 off 52 balls.
Shreyas Iyer (44 off 47 balls) and Axar Patel (41 not out off 43 balls) played vital roles to secure India's win.
Jamie Overton led the English bowling with a two-wicket haul but failed to contain India's powerful batting line-up.
Rohit's blistering century brought him closer to surpassing Shahid Afridi's record for the most sixes in men's ODIs. With 338 sixes, Rohit trails only Afridi's tally of 351.
Summarising the victory, noted cricket analyst, Amritpal Singh stated, "Rohit's innings was a masterclass. His return to form has significant implications for India's ODI prospects."
This win also marked Rohit's 36th ODI victory as captain, tying him with West Indies legend Viv Richards for the third-highest wins in the format.
Also read: Ravindra bleeds on field after head injury; Lahore floodlights blamed
Follow us
