Rohit Sharma, the current captain of the Indian cricket team in Tests and ODIs, is one of the most dominant opening batsmen in the game’s history. Recently, Sharma announced his retirement from T20I cricket after leading India to victory in the 2024 T20 World Cup, their first ICC trophy in 11 years. Throughout his career, Sharma has achieved numerous milestones, particularly in the shorter formats of the game.
Rohit Sharma is the only batsman to have scored three double centuries in the history of ODI cricket.
He holds the record for the highest number of runs in men’s T20 Internationals and is India’s fifth-highest run-scorer in ODIs. Notably, Sharma is the only batsman to have scored three double centuries in ODI cricket. In Test cricket, he averages over 45 and has 12 centuries to his name, including a double century.
Rohit Sharma Double Century in ODIs:
| Score | Opponent | Venue | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| 209 | Australia | Bangalore | 2013 |
| 264 | Sri Lanka | Kolkata | 2014 |
| 208* | Sri Lanka | Mohali | 2017 |
Sharma made his ODI debut for India on June 23, 2007, against Ireland. Initially playing in the middle order, his career skyrocketed after being promoted to the opener’s position. Known for his elegant stroke play, he has established himself as one of the most successful ODI batsmen in the world, amassing over 10,000 runs. His record-breaking innings of 264 against Sri Lanka remains the highest individual score in ODI cricket.
209 vs Australia in 2013
Rohit Sharma’s first double-century came on November 2, 2013, when he scored 209 against Australia in Bangalore. At the time, he became only the third player to achieve this milestone in ODIs, joining the ranks of Sachin Tendulkar and Virender Sehwag.
Opening the innings, Sharma paced his knock masterfully, reaching his century off 114 balls before accelerating rapidly. His next 109 runs came from just 42 balls, featuring 12 fours and 16 sixes, setting a new record for the most sixes in an ODI innings. He shared a 112-run opening partnership with Shikhar Dhawan, anchoring India’s total of 383/6. Australia put up a valiant chase but fell short at 326 all out. Sharma’s stellar form throughout the series saw him score 491 runs at an average of 122.
264 vs Sri Lanka in 2014
On November 13, 2014, Sharma shattered records with his knock of 264 against Sri Lanka at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, marking the highest individual score in ODI history. This innings is regarded as one of the most dominant ever seen in the format.
Sharma opened cautiously, reaching his half-century in 72 balls. Once settled, he unleashed an array of attacking shots, reaching his century off 100 balls. His next 164 runs came off just 73 deliveries, hitting 33 fours and 9 sixes. India posted a mammoth 404/5, while Sri Lanka struggled in reply, managing only 251, giving India a comfortable 153-run victory.
Unbeaten 208 vs Sri Lanka in 2017
Rohit Sharma’s unbeaten 208, scored on December 13, 2017, in Mohali against Sri Lanka, was his third double-century in ODIs, making him the only player in history to achieve this feat three times.
Captain of the Indian side, Sharma led from the front with a knock that saw him reach his century off 115 balls before launching a brutal assault in the final overs. In the last 36 balls of his innings, he added another 108 runs, striking 13 fours and 12 sixes. India posted an imposing 392/4, and Sri Lanka could only manage 251/8, securing India a comprehensive victory.
Rohit Sharma’s Double Century in Tests:
| Score | Opponent | Venue | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| 212 | South Africa | Ranchi | 2019 |
Sharma made his Test debut for India on November 6, 2013, against the West Indies, scoring a century in his debut match. Despite his initial struggles in Test cricket, his career gained momentum when he was promoted to open in 2019. Since then, Sharma has solidified his place as one of India’s key Test batsmen, amassing 12 centuries and averaging over 45.
In the 2019 series against South Africa, Sharma’s standout performance came in the third Test in Ranchi, where he scored his maiden Test double century. India found themselves in trouble at 39/3, but a 267-run partnership between Sharma and Ajinkya Rahane turned the match in India’s favor. Sharma’s 212-run innings, which included 28 fours and 6 sixes, propelled India to a massive total of 497/9 declared. South Africa collapsed in response, giving India an innings and 202-run victory, sealing a 3-0 series win.