Here's how 'opener' Rohit Sharma became an ODI giant
What's the story
Rohit Sharma's journey as India's ODI opener is a tale of faith, strategy, and unmatched talent. The transformation was largely driven by Mahendra Singh Dhoni's vision in early 2013. At the time, the Indian batting order was dominated by stalwarts like Sachin Tendulkar, Virender Sehwag, and Gautam Gambhir. However, with Tendulkar's retirement and a dip in form for the other two Delhi batsmen by early 2013, an opportunity arose for Rohit to step up.
Strategic decision
The gamble that changed the course
Dhoni's faith in Rohit's abilities, coupled with a crowded middle order and his own struggles against an older ball, paved the way for Rohit's promotion as an opener.
Notably, the batter's advancement could not have come at a better time, as he had a tough ODI run in 2012 while operating in the middle order.
He could only manage 13 runs across five innings in the away series against Sri Lanka.
Though Rohit survived the axe after this series, his place in the XI was uncertain.
Shift
The knock that changed Rohit's fortunes
After warming the benches in the first three games of the 2013 home ODI series against England, Rohit got a chance as an opener.
He scored a match-winning 93-ball 83 in the fourth affair to stamp his authority.
This knock just did not power Rohit's comeback, but also marked the start of a new era.
Later that year, Rohit was asked to open alongside Shikhar Dhawan at the Champions Trophy.
The duo formed a solid pair as India lifted the title. Rohit scored fifties in India's first two matches.
Unmatched performance
A perfect blend of talent and opportunity
Rohit capitalized on the opportunity given by Dhoni and started scoring runs in abundance.
His ability to hit boundaries and sixes became his trademark as several prominent bowlers struggled to contain him.
The field restrictions as an opener worked in Rohit's favor, allowing him to play his natural game and score runs freely.
This led to an incredible run of consistency for the Indian team, especially with Virat Kohli coming in later down the order.
Skill development
Evolution against spinners
Rohit's game against spinners also improved drastically over the years.
He learned to score from square pockets on both sides of the wicket, playing shots like the cut shot through point region and even sweeping.
This evolution showed his willingness to adapt and improve his game, further establishing him as a key player in India's ODI lineup.
Milestone achievement
Maiden ODI century as an opener
Rohit's maiden century as an ODI opener came against Australia in October 2013.
The very same series saw him become just the third double-centurion in ODI history.
This milestone gave him the confidence that he wasn't just an experimental opener but had secured his spot in the team.
It was just a start as Rohit played one stellar knock after another in the coming years.
His ability to hammer big hundreds stunned the cricket world.
Numbers
An average of 54.5 as an opener
Rohit played 87 ODIs while batting at three or lower, scoring just 2,030 at a paltry average of 32.74 (100s: 2).
The average went up to 54.5 as an opener with Rohit tallying 9,865 runs in this regard with the help of 32 tons and 49 fifties.
While Rohit owns three double-tons, no other batter has touched the mark multiple times in the format.
This also includes the highest individual ODI score (264).