Rohit Sharma enters ODI’s Top 10 run-getters, surpasses Sachin as India’s 2nd-highest opener

Indian captain Rohit Sharma delivered a stellar performance against England in the second ODI at Cuttack, smashing a brilliant century and rewriting multiple records. His 119-run knock not only secured India’s four-wicket victory but also propelled him into the elite list of top 10 run-getters in ODI cricket, surpassing Rahul Dravid. Additionally, Rohit overtook Sachin Tendulkar to become India’s second-highest run-scorer as an opener in international cricket.

Rohit Sharma’s explosive innings of 119 off 90 balls, laced with 12 fours and seven sixes, marked a significant comeback. With this knock, Rohit took his total ODI runs to 10,987 in 267 matches at an average of 49.26 and a strike rate of 92.70. He has now moved past Rahul Dravid, who had amassed 10,889 runs in 344 ODIs at an average of 39.16.

Moreover, Rohit also surpassed the legendary Sachin Tendulkar to become India’s second-highest run-getter as an opener in international cricket. With 15,404 runs in 343 matches at an average of 45.43, including 44 centuries and 79 fifties, Rohit edged past Sachin, who had scored 15,335 runs at an average of 48.07 with 45 centuries and 75 fifties. The only Indian opener ahead of him now is Virender Sehwag, who holds the top spot with 15,758 runs in 321 matches at an average of 41.90.

Rohit’s power-hitting spree also saw him break Chris Gayle’s record of 331 sixes in ODIs. After smashing seven maximums against England, he now has 338 sixes, placing him second in the list of most sixes in men’s ODIs. He is inching closer to Shahid Afridi’s record of 351 sixes, needing just 14 more to claim the top spot.

The match at Cuttack saw England posting a competitive 304 after opting to bat first. Joe Root (69 off 72 balls, 6 fours) and Ben Duckett (65 off 56 balls, 10 fours) anchored England’s innings, while Liam Livingstone (41 off 32 balls, 2 fours, 2 sixes) and Jos Buttler (34 off 35 balls, 2 fours) provided crucial middle-order contributions. Ravindra Jadeja led India’s bowling attack with three wickets in his 10-over spell.

In response, India got off to a flying start with Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill (60 off 52 balls, 9 fours, 1 six) stitching a 136-run partnership. Shreyas Iyer (44 off 47 balls, 3 fours, 1 six) and Axar Patel (41* off 43 balls, 4 fours) ensured India chased down the target successfully, sealing a four-wicket win. England’s bowling attack struggled, with Jamie Overton being the standout performer, picking up two wickets.

Rohit’s leadership also continues to shine as India secured their 36th ODI win under his captaincy, equaling the legendary Viv Richards. He is now tied for the third-most ODI wins as captain, behind Clive Lloyd, Ricky Ponting, and Virat Kohli, who share the top spot with 39 wins.