Rohit Sharma silenced his critics in style, delivering a breathtaking century that echoed his World Cup heroics. The Indian opener smashed a 90-ball 119 , laced with seven sixes, to power India’s chase against England in Cuttack. It was a performance that not only reignited his form but also served as a reminder of his unparalleled ability to dominate bowlers on the big stage.
For Rohit Sharma, the past few months had been uncharacteristically challenging. His struggles with the bat reached a tipping point earlier this year when he stepped down from the crucial fifth Test against Australia in Sydney, citing, “Bat chal nahi raha hai” (the bat isn’t working). Before Sunday’s match, his lean patch had stretched over 10 innings—nine in Tests and one in ODIs—raising questions about his future in international cricket.
However, any doubts about his form were emphatically put to rest in Cuttack. Rohit began cautiously but soon found his groove, unleashing his trademark strokes with precision and flair. A flick over mid-wicket for six off the bowling of Saqib Mahmood signaled the start of something special. From there, it was vintage Rohit, as he dismantled England’s bowling attack with effortless grace.
On a tricky black soil surface where the ball often skidded onto the bat, Rohit showcased his adaptability and class. He punished anything loose, sending Mahmood’s deliveries soaring over the cover boundary and long-off fence for two more maximums. Even a brief interruption caused by a glitching floodlight tower couldn’t derail his momentum. After a 30-minute delay, Rohit returned to the crease with the same intent, adding another six off Mark Wood in the eighth over.
Adil Rashid, introduced into the attack in the ninth over, bore the brunt of Rohit’s artistry. A deft sweep behind square and a crisp cut behind point brought him two boundaries, further accelerating India’s charge. By this stage, Rohit had raced to a 30-ball half-century , reviving memories of his stellar 2023 World Cup campaign . In that tournament, he amassed 597 runs in 11 innings at a staggering strike rate of 125.95 —a figure surpassed only by Glenn Maxwell among batters with 400 or more runs. For a deeper dive into Rohit’s World Cup exploits, check out this detailed analysis here .
While Rohit’s scoring rate dipped slightly post-PowerPlay, he remained proactive, constantly seeking opportunities to pierce the field. England’s attempts to curb his aggression by targeting his body only played into his hands. Short-pitched deliveries were dispatched with disdain, finding the ropes on either side and clearing the infield with ease.
The 40,000-strong crowd in Cuttack erupted in joy as Rohit neared his milestone. With a majestic six off Rashid in the latter stages of his innings, he brought up his 32nd ODI century —a tally second only to Virat Kohli (46 centuries ) and Sachin Tendulkar (49 centuries ) in the format. Rohit’s knock included seven towering sixes and set the tone for India’s commanding victory.
“I really enjoyed being out there, scoring some runs for the team,” Rohit said during the post-match presentation, walking off to a standing ovation from the ecstatic crowd. “I broke it down into pieces about how I wanted to bat.”
This innings wasn’t just about numbers; it was a statement of intent. In a candid interview earlier this year, Rohit had expressed his determination to continue contributing to the team despite his recent struggles. “There’s no guarantee that I won’t get the runs two or five months later,” he had remarked. True to his word, Rohit delivered when it mattered most, reigniting his form ahead of India’s Champions Trophy campaign in Dubai, set to begin in 10 days. For more details on India’s preparations for the Champions Trophy, click here .
With his ability to clear the ropes and dismantle attacks, Rohit has once again proven why he remains one of the most feared batters in white-ball cricket. For now, the ‘Hitman’ is back, and world cricket is on notice.
- Rohit Sharma’s 90-ball 119 : Included 7 sixes and guided India to a dominant position in the chase.
- World Cup Echoes : Rohit’s explosive batting mirrored his 2023 World Cup form , where he scored 597 runs at a strike rate of 125.95 .
- Milestone Alert : This was Rohit’s 32nd ODI century , placing him third on the all-time list behind Virat Kohli and Sachin Tendulkar.
- Preparation for Champions Trophy : With India’s first fixture in Dubai just 10 days away, Rohit’s return to form is perfectly timed.
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