Rohit Sharma has achieved yet another historic milestone in his illustrious career. With his brilliant 131 against Afghanistan in the ongoing ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, Rohit became the first batsman to score 7 centuries in ODI World Cups.
The Hitman has been in sublime form in ICC tournaments over the past decade. His insatiable appetite for scoring big runs on the biggest stage sets him apart from his contemporaries. Rohit’s 7 centuries have come across 3 World Cup editions from 2015 to 2023.
Let us look at each of these memorable tons that etched Rohit’s name in the history books:
1. 137 vs Bangladesh in Melbourne, 2015
Rohit announced himself on the big stage with a stroke-filled 137 against Bangladesh. He took the attack to the bowlers by smashing 17 fours and 2 sixes. This was Rohit’s first World Cup century and set the tone for a successful campaign.
2. 122* vs South Africa in Southampton, 2019
The Hitman started the 2019 World Cup with a commanding 122* versus a quality South African attack. His unbeaten ton anchored India’s chase on a tricky pitch. Rohit displayed immaculate timing and placement en route a match-winning knock.
3. 140 vs Pakistan in Manchester, 2019
This was perhaps Rohit’s best World Cup knock. He dismantled Pakistan’s bowling with an aggressive 140 off just 113 balls. Rohit took apart the likes of Amir and Riaz to propel India to 336. His power-hitting was a treat to watch for the packed stadium.
4. 102 vs England in Birmingham, 2019
Facing the mighty hosts England, Rohit slammed a sublime 102. He held his own against Archer and Co. by showcasing his range of strokes. With this ton, Rohit became the first batsman to score five centuries in a single World Cup.
5. 104 vs Bangladesh in Birmingham, 2019
Rohit continued his golden run in the tournament with a solid 104 against Bangladesh. He anchored the innings despite losing partners at the other end. With his fifth ton, Rohit equalled the record for most World Cup centuries.
6. 103 vs Sri Lanka in Leeds, 2019
Against Sri Lanka, Rohit notched up his sixth ton to create history. He went past Sachin Tendulkar’s record of most centuries in a single World Cup. Though India lost the game, Rohit proved his pedigree on the grandest stage.
7. 131 vs Afghanistan in Nagpur, 2023
In the 2023 World Cup, Rohit slammed a sensational 131 versus Afghanistan to become the first player with 7 World Cup centuries. He continued his love affair with ICC tournaments by bludgeoning 12 fours and 8 sixes. This was Rohit’s 29th ODI century.
Rohit Sharma Key Stats and Records
Let us look at some of the major stats and records set by Rohit en route these 7 World Cup centuries:
- 1013 runs from 21 World Cup innings at an average of 65.06
- Strike rate of 98.36 highlights his scoring rate
- Converted 6 out of 7 tons into big scores in excess of 100
- Centuries against major teams like Pakistan, South Africa and England
- Five centuries in 2019 stands as the record for most tons in a single WC
- First player to score 6 centuries in one World Cup in 2019
- Surpassed Tendulkar’s record of 6 WC tons in 2019
- 7 centuries in 3 World Cups showcases his phenomenal consistency
- Excellent record as opener and number 3 batsman
Rohit’s Impact
Rohit’s insatiable appetite for runs makes him a force of nature on his day. His 7 World Cup centuries underscore his phenomenal conversion rate once he crosses fifty. He has won India several high-pressure games by scoring big match-defining centuries.
Rohit’s success has given India an explosive yet consistent start in ICC tournaments. His partnerships with Dhawan and Kohli form the bedrock of India’s batting might.
The Hitman has broken several batting records of Tendulkar and other legends. His masterclass against quality attacks speaks volumes about his temperament.
Rohit’s languid grace and effortless strokeplay make batting look easy. He has emerged as India’s batting mainstay in major tournaments with his exceptional consistency.
At just 35 years of age, Rohit has many more years of cricket left in him. He will likely end up with 10-12 World Cup centuries before hanging up his boots. Rohit’s name will be etched in history books forever as one of the all-time great ODI openers.
Road Ahead
Rohit has been in blazing form in the past few years. Having conquered most batting records, Rohit will be eyeing the ultimate prize of winning the World Cup in 2023.
With Dhawan, Kohli and Rahul also amongst the runs, India’s batting arsenal looks ominous. Rohit has the opportunity to enhance his legacy by guiding India to their third ODI World Cup title.
Having already cemented his status as an ODI legend, Rohit will be keen to keep scoring big in coming World Cups. With his unwavering consistency and hunger for runs, Rohit Sharma will undoubtedly end up as the greatest World Cup batsman of this era.