Rohit Sharma clobbers loud statement century to shut ODI World Cup debate, Shubman Gill scorches with twin tons

Rohit Sharma has the knack of silencing his naysayers, and yet again he has done that riding on a masterclass century in the second ODI between India and West Indies in Guwahati amidst all the ODI World Cup debate.

Rohit Sharma runs riot with robust ton in 2nd ODI vs WI

It wasn't an ordinary century from Rohit, as it was his second fastest ODI ton, which came off in just 72 balls.

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Tasked with chasing down a towering target of 406, Rohit and his opening partner Shubman Gill wasted no time setting the tempo, launching an immediate attack on the West Indies bowling lineup. Rohit put on a clinical display of power-hitting, racing to his second-fastest ODI century off just 72 deliveries. His brilliant 35th one-day international ton was punctuated by 10 boundaries and six huge sixes before his whirlwind knock finally came to an end in the 27th over at the hands of Jayden Seales.

Rohit delivers big statement amidst ODI World Cup debate

This Guwahati masterclass follows a similar narrative from earlier in the summer, when whispers about his international future grew loud during the England tour. Rohit was retained at the top of the order alongside Gill and Kohli for the West Indies series, and he validated the selection committee's faith in spectacular fashion. Much like his magnificent 137 during the 388-run chase at Lord’s in July, Rohit once again rose to the occasion when his team needed it most, making another undeniable statement with the bat in Guwahati.

He also reinforced his value at the top of the order by joining elite company, becoming only the third Indian batter after Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli to cross the 12,000-run barrier in 50-over cricket.

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However, Gill, who recorded his second consecutive ton in the ongoing series, continued India's chase charge with his phenomenal batting. By the end of 28.1 overs, India were strongly placed at 277/1 with Gill (159*) and Virat Kohli (2*) intact on the crease.

Electing to bat first, West Indies mounted an explosive offensive behind a trio of hundred-makers, John Campbell, Shai Hope, and Amir Jangoo. Their clinical display of power-hitting carried the visitors to a historic 405/7 in their allotted 50 overs, setting a new benchmark for the team's highest-ever total in ODIs.