'His 33rd ODI century is loading as well': India's World Cup-winner's massive prediction on Rohit Sharma ahead of dead rubber in Ahmedabad against England

Rohit Sharma finally ended his lean patch with a masterful century in the second ODI against England at the Barabati stadium in Cuttack, Odisha on February 9. The superlative century marked Rohit Sharma's 32nd ODI ton which came after a gap of 16 months. It was Rohit Sharma's century which propelled India to a four-wicket win over England while chasing a big target of 305 runs to seal the series 2-0 with a match to spare.

Rohit Sharma's masterful century in 2nd ODI against England

Meanwhile, former India's star batter Suresh Raina believes Rohit won't stop here and will go on to crack one more century in the third ODI against England, which will be played on February 12 in Ahmedabad. Suresh Raina believes Rohit's 33rd ODI century is imminent, especially after India captain roared back to the form with a dominant innings against England in Cuttack. Rohit had been struggling with his batting prior to match as he could only score 166 runs in 16 innings across all formats. His dismissal in the first ODI further fueled criticism from fans.

ALSO READ: Who will replace injured Jasprit Bumrah in India's squad if superstar pacer ends up missing out on Champions Trophy? Know here

Suresh Raina predicts Rohit Sharma's 33rd ODI century in Ahmedabad

However, Rohit was on some mission in the second ODI as he attacked the English bowlers from the start. He broke numerous records en route to his 32nd ODI hundred as he reached the three-figure mark in just 76 balls. His blistering knock was decorated with 12 boundaries and 7 sixes which set the tone of India's chase. Rohit was eventually dismissed for 119 runs, but it was too late for England to even think of bouncing back into the match.

India's World Cup-winner Raina, during a conversation with Star Sports, heaped immense praise on Rohit's sensational knock.

"That 69 m six, the first shot—it deserves some commentary! My voice is already fading, but that flow, that signature of a great player, was evident. Look at all those shots in the ‘V’! He used his footwork brilliantly against the spinners. He played fewer dot balls after each boundary and six, focusing more on rotation," Raina said.

ALSO READ: 'Band kar ********': Fed-up Rohit Sharma loses cool at DJ in IND vs ENG 2nd ODI, furiously told him to stop music during match; Watch video

Following Hitman's flop show in the ODI series opener against England in Nagpur, Raina had predicted Rohit's comeback in Cuttack showdown. Raina saw a different demeanor from Rohit in Cuttack, suggesting a renewed focus. The former cricketer stated that big players like Rohit tend to seize opportunities and aim to secure a series win before the final match, ensuring a decisive result in the second game itself.

"I had already said in the show that today is Rohit’s day. There was a different vibe in Cuttack, the fielding was sharp, and that’s how big players are—they win the series today, and they won’t leave Ahmedabad without seizing another opportunity. That 33rd century is also loading—I’m telling you!" Raina concluded.