Rohit Sharma breaks records with his 33rd ODI hundred
What's the story
Rohit Sharma, the former India skipper, has broken a series of records with his 33rd hundred in ODI cricket. The milestone was achieved during the third and final ODI against Australia in Sydney. His efforts meant India prevailed in a chase of 237 runs and successfully avoided a clean sweep. Here we look at his stats and records.
Knock
A match-winning effort from Rohit
Chasing 237 in the game, Indian openers Rohit and Shubman Gill (24) added 69 runs before the Indian skipper departed. The former then joined forces with Virat Kohli (74*), and it was one-way traffic thereafter. They scripted an unbeaten 168-run stand as the Men in Blue crossed the line in just 38.3 overs, winning by nine wickets. Rohit dominated the match-winning partnership.
DYK
50th international ton for Rohit
Rohit returned unbeaten on 121 off 125 balls with the help of 13 fours and three sixes. He now has 33 centuries in ODI cricket, the third-most in ODIs after Sachin Tendulkar (49) and Kohli (51). The former Indian skipper overall smacked his 50th international ton. Only two other Indians have more than 50 centuries across formats - Tendulkar (100) and Kohli (82).
Feat
2,500 runs against the Aussies
Earlier in the game, Rohit became the second player to complete 2,500 ODI runs against Australia, joining Tendulkar (3,077). Meanwhile, Rohit was later joined by Kohli (2,525) on this list. The former now has 2,609 runs across 49 games against Australia at 59.29 (100s: 9, 50s: 10). He is now tied with Tendulkar in terms of most ODI tons against them.
DYK
Sixth ODI ton in Australia
As per ESPNcricinfo, Rohit became the first visiting batter to complete six ODI tons in Australia. He broke the tie with Kohli and Sri Lanka's Kumar Sangakkara (5 each). Rohit also became the first Indian to complete 1,500 ODI runs Down Under. The dashing opener now has 1,530 runs across 33 games in this regard at a fine average of 56.66 (50s: 5).
Career
Here are his overall numbers
With his 33rd hundred, Rohit has raced to 11,370 runs from 276 ODIs at an average of 49.22. He also owns 59 fifties as his tally of 349 sixes in the format is only second to that of Pakistan's Shahid Afridi (351). It must be noted that Rohit is only behind Tendulkar (18,426) and Kohli (14,255) in terms of ODI runs among Indians.
Fielding feat
Rohit Sharma completes his 100th catch in ODIs
Along with his batting record, Rohit also achieved another milestone by completing his 100th catch in ODIs. He now joins an elite group of Indian fielders such as Virat Kohli (164), Mohammad Azharuddin (156), Sachin Tendulkar (140), Rahul Dravid (124), and Suresh Raina (102). This achievement further highlights Rohit's all-round contribution to the game.