Rohit Sharma bounced back to form with a robust century in the second ODI against England at the Barabati Stadium in Cuttack, Odisha. With this he clocked his 32nd ODI hundred, bringing a halt to his 16-month long ton drought in the 50-over format. This century marked Rohit's first hundred since his century against Afghanistan in 2023. He also reached his half-century in just 30 balls.
Rohit Sharma's scintillating century in 2nd ODI vs England
The Hitman displayed aggressive intent from the start of his innings, reaching his century in just 76 balls, striking seven sixes and nine fours. With this he heaved a sign in relief as he had endured a lean patch with disappointing performances against New Zealand and Australia in recent Test series.
Earlier in the innings, Rohit Sharma surpassed West Indies legend Chris Gayle to claim second place on the list of highest six-hitters in ODIs. Beginning the match tied with Gayle at 331 sixes, Rohit moved ahead of the West Indian icon with a signature flick shot for six over midwicket off Gus Atkinson in the second over.
Following that initial six, Rohit Sharma hit two more, bringing his total to 334, though he still trails Pakistan's Shahid Afridi, who holds the record with 371 sixes.
This century was Rohit's 32nd in ODIs, placing him third on the all-time list, behind fellow Indians Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli. Rohit completed his century in just 76 balls to give a befitting reply to his critics. Every shot he played seemed to soothe the concerns of those who had watched him endure a prolonged period of poor form.
Rohit's innings began cautiously, with just one run off his first six deliveries. However, he quickly shifted gears, taking on Gus Atkinson in the second over and finding his first boundary towards point. He then followed up with a flick for six off the very next ball, igniting the crowd. These two boundaries seemed to settle Rohit's nerves, and he found his rhythm, playing an exquisite lofted cover drive against Saqib Mahmood for his second six in the third over. Mahmood was then on the receiving end of another effortless six from Rohit as the India captain began to look his destructive best, signaling trouble for England. He reached his half-century off just 30 balls, his first fifty-plus score in 12 international innings, and then his 80 off 56 balls. The century came soon after, reached with a powerful six over long-off against Adil Rashid.