Rohit Sharma Amazing Double Centuries in ODI Cricket: Hitting a double century in an ODI cricket match is extraordinary. With only 300 balls per side, scoring 200 runs as a single player requires immense skill, precision, and patience.
Most cricketers dream of achieving this feat even once. Indian cricket legend Rohit Sharma has remarkably scored three ODI double centuries. He is the only player to do so multiple times, standing alone in a class of consistency and power.
Here’s a deep dive into the incredible innings that make up Rohit Sharma’s double-century record.
Rohit Sharma Amazing Double Centuries in ODI Cricket
Rohit Sharma’s ODI double centuries are all iconic in their way. Here’s a quick look at each of these memorable performances:
Date | Opponent | Runs | Venue |
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November 2, 2013 | Australia | 209 | M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru |
November 13, 2014 | Sri Lanka | 264 | Eden Gardens, Kolkata |
December 17, 2017 | Sri Lanka | 208* | Punjab Cricket Association Stadium, Mohali |
October 19, 2019 | South Africa | 212 | JSCA International Stadium, Ranchi |
1. 209 vs Australia in Bengaluru – November 2013
Rohit Sharma’s first double century in ODI cricket came against Australia at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. Scoring a double century was a rare achievement then, and Rohit’s innings left fans and cricket enthusiasts in awe.
He blasted 209 runs off just 158 balls, smashing 16 sixes and 12 fours along the way. Opening the innings for India, Rohit went all out, launching a brutal assault on the Australian bowlers and only getting out in the final over.
Thanks to Rohit’s incredible performance, India posted a hefty total of 383 runs, securing a 57-run victory and clinching the series.
2. 264 vs Sri Lanka in Kolkata – November 2014
One year later, Rohit Sharma struck again, this time at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata. Sri Lanka was on the receiving end of what would become one of the most breathtaking innings in ODI history.
India had a rough start, losing two quick wickets with only 59 runs on the board. Rohit, however, steadied the innings and then accelerated in a way that few had ever seen.
His 264 off 173 balls included 33 fours and nine sixes, setting a new record for the highest individual score in ODI cricket. This incredible innings saw India post a total of 404 runs, with Sri Lanka unable to come close.
3. 208* vs Sri Lanka in Mohali – December 2017
In December 2017, Rohit Sharma became one of the best ODI openers. He scored an unbeaten 208, his third double century, against Sri Lanka. Batting in Mohali, he faced 153 balls, hitting 13 fours and 12 sixes in a power-packed innings.
Rohit batted through the innings, playing a strategic, focused knock and allowing India to reach a total of 392 runs. His marathon innings led India to a 141-run win. It showed Rohit’s knack for long, high-scoring innings at a fast strike rate.
4. 212 vs South Africa in Ranchi – October 2019
Rohit Sharma scored his fourth ODI double-century in Ranchi. It was during a Test match against South Africa in the ICC World Test Championship. Though not an ODI double century, this inning showcased Rohit’s capacity to adapt his style to the longer format.
Scoring 212, he led India to a huge total of 497 in the first innings, and South Africa eventually conceded a follow-on, ultimately losing the match. This inning not only displayed Rohit’s grit but also solidified his position as an opening batsman in India’s Test line-up.
The Pioneers of ODI Double Centuries
Rohit Sharma is the only cricketer with three ODI double centuries. However, several others have also achieved this feat. Here’s a look at the legendary cricketers who managed to reach 200 in an ODI:
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Sachin Tendulkar: The first male cricketer to hit a double century in ODI cricket, Sachin scored an unbeaten 200 against South Africa in 2010. His innings featured 25 fours and three sixes, inspiring future players to chase the 200-run milestone.
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Belinda Clark: An Australian cricketer, she was the first to score a double century in ODI cricket. This was long before Tendulkar’s double century. She made a stunning 229* in the 1997 Women’s World Cup.
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Amelia Kerr: New Zealand’s Amelia Kerr scored 232* against Ireland. It’s the highest score by a woman in ODIs. This makes her an ODI double-centurion.
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Chris Gayle: Known for his explosive batting, he scored a double century against Zimbabwe in the 2015 World Cup. He was the first to do so in a World Cup.
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Martin Guptill: In the 2015 World Cup, New Zealand’s Martin Guptill followed Chris Gayle. He scored a double century in the quarter-final against the West Indies, carrying his team to victory.
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Virender Sehwag: He was known for his aggressive batting. In 2011, he scored 219 against the West Indies. He was the second Indian, after Tendulkar, to hit a double century.
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Fakhar Zaman: Pakistani opener Fakhar Zaman joined the club in 2018 with an unbeaten 210 against Zimbabwe.
Rohit Sharma: The ODI Double Century Specialist
With an ODI career spanning over 227 matches and a ranking among the world’s top batsmen, Rohit’s achievements in the game are exceptional. He has 29 centuries in ODIs.
His triple-double-century record shows his rare mix of power and patience at the crease. Rohit’s double centuries show he can build an innings. He paces his play and then speeds up his scoring.
Each double century tells a story of domination, resilience, and a relentless drive to push the boundaries of what’s possible in ODI cricket.
FAQ
What is the last 100 of Rohit Sharma?
He has scored five centuries in T20 internationals, the highest by any batsman. Rohit Sharma’s latest T20I century was on January 17, 2024, against Afghanistan at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. Like his ODI journey, Rohit Sharma took a while to reach his first T20I century.
What is the fastest century Rohit Sharma hit in ODI?
Rohit hit a blazing, 63-ball century in India’s World Cup match against Afghanistan on Wednesday. Here are the other players who have scored rapid hundreds in ODI World Cups.
How many times Rohit Sharma is out on 99?
India’s captain, Rohit Sharma, has three double centuries in ODIs. He scored 99 before being dismissed against Australia in Sydney on January 23, 2016.
Conclusion
Hitting a double century in an ODI is no easy task. Rohit Sharma scored each double century in different conditions, against top teams. This shows his skill and adaptability. Only eight cricketers have achieved this feat in ODI history. Rohit’s three double centuries make him a unique figure in modern cricket. His prowess has brought India many memorable victories and has solidified his legacy as one of the game’s greatest ODI batsmen.
In a cricketing era where ODIs are more competitive, Rohit Sharma leads by example. He inspires young players to dream big and aim high. His double centuries will remain iconic moments in cricket history, celebrated by fans and players alike for years to come.