Rohit Sharma showcased a remarkable performance at the Sydney Cricket Ground over the weekend, delivering a fluent century that evoked memories of his successful days in Australia. The veteran opener, aged 38, notched up his 33rd ODI hundred and 50th in international cricket as India pursued a target of 237 against Australia in the series’ final match. Only Sachin Tendulkar (49) and Virat Kohli (51) have more ODI centuries than Rohit.
This century marked Rohit as the tenth cricketer to achieve 50 international centuries, spread across 12 in Tests, 33 in ODIs, and five in T20Is. He stands out as the sole player to have scored five or more centuries in each format. Rohit initiated his innings with a boundary off Mitchell Starc in the opening over of India’s chase, maintaining pressure on the Australian bowlers through impeccable timing and placement, effectively controlling India’s momentum.
Rohit’s century was secured in a classic manner, guiding Adam Zampa for a single through long-off on his 105th delivery. His celebration was understated, featuring a modest bat raise, acknowledgment to the dressing room, and a warm embrace with batting partner Virat Kohli. The Sydney crowd honored the innings and the enduring impact of a player who has shaped an era of Indian batting.
At 38 years and 178 days, Rohit became the second-oldest Indian to achieve an ODI century, following Sachin Tendulkar, who accomplished this feat at 38 years and 327 days. This innings propelled him past Virender Sehwag’s 15,758-run mark, establishing him as India’s leading run-scorer among openers in all formats, achieved in 11 fewer innings. Moreover, he equaled Tendulkar’s record of 45 international centuries as an opener, a feat surpassed globally only by Australia’s David Warner with 49.
Rohit’s success in Australian conditions continued to shine as he secured his sixth ODI century on Australian soil, the highest by any visiting batter, surpassing the tallies of Virat Kohli and Kumar Sangakkara. Additionally, it marked his ninth ODI century against Australia, putting him on par with Tendulkar for the most centuries against the five-time world champions.