A month after his poor form saw him step aside from India’s Test lineup in Sydney, Rohit Sharma has silenced his critics with a faith-restoring performance. The Indian captain’s spectacular 119 off 90 balls in the second ODI against England on Sunday was a timely reminder of his class and resilience ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy later this month.
Rohit Sharma: A Captain Under Pressure
Having retired from T20 Internationals after leading India to their second T20 World Cup title last year, Rohit has faced a challenging period in Test cricket. As he approaches his 38th birthday in April, media reports suggest selectors have inquired about his plans beyond the Champions Trophy.
Rohit’s form in ODIs was also under scrutiny after scoring just two runs in the first game of the series. However, his knock at the Barabati Stadium in Cuttack was a perfect response, showcasing why he remains an indispensable part of India’s ODI setup.
Mastering the Art of ODI Batting
Known for his ability to assess and adapt, Rohit’s century was a masterclass in controlled aggression.
“It’s a 50-over format … but you still need to break it down and assess what you need to do at regular intervals,” Rohit explained after being named player-of-the-match.
Rohit’s methodical approach to ODIs—building his innings before launching into bowlers—has earned him unparalleled success. His three double-centuries in ODIs, including the record-breaking 264, are testaments to this strategy.
In Sunday’s innings, Rohit began cautiously, avoiding risky shots on the black soil pitch that offered some skid. Once set, he dismantled the English attack with seven effortless sixes, reaffirming his status as one of the finest white-ball cricketers.
“It’s important that you show the full face of the bat initially… Once I got into my innings, I understood their plans and adapted my approach,” Rohit added, highlighting the thought process behind his innings.
The Road Ahead
As India gears up for the Champions Trophy, beginning on February 20 in Dubai, Rohit’s return to form is a significant boost. India will face Bangladesh in their opening match, with the captain’s experience and leadership critical in a high-stakes tournament.
While speculation about his future looms, Rohit Sharma’s latest knock is a powerful statement that he still has plenty to offer.
