Records are meant to be broken in the world of cricket. But when a player redefines those records, he etches his name in the annals of cricketing history. India skipper Rohit Sharma did just that on Wednesday (October 12) in the ODI World Cup match against Afghanistan, as he shattered records with his lightning century at the Arun Jaitley stadium in New Delhi.
Hitman Rohit crafted a masterful innings of 131 runs off just 84 deliveries which was studded with five sixes and 16 fours. His batting exploits ensured India successfully overhaul Afghanistan's total of 273 with eight wickets to spare. In the process, Rohit also eclipsed the legendary Kapil Dev's long-standing record of smashing fastest World Cup century by an Indian batter. While Kapil Dev's century against Zimbabwe at the 1983 World Cup was achieved in 72 balls, Sharma reached the milestone in just 63 deliveries, setting a new benchmark for the fastest century by an Indian in ODI World Cup history. Not just this he also notched his seventh ODI World Cup century to pip Sachin Tendulkar's record of most tons in the showpiece event. He also shattered Chris Gayle's World record of most sixes in international cricket. While Gayle has 553 sixes against his name in international cricket, Rohit has hammered 356 maximums so far.
Meanwhile, the chief of the National Cricket Academy (NCA) and celebrated former Indian batter VVS Laxman was among the many from the cricketing fraternity who lavished praise on Sharma. Reminiscing about the ups and downs of Sharma's career, Laxman highlighted the resilience and determination of the explosive batter. Laxman took to Twitter to post,"From this in 2011, to becoming the highest ever century maker in World Cup history, scoring 7 hundreds in just 2 World Cups plus 2 matches, just proves again that “Never ever give up” and that Champions find a way to live their dream."
Indeed, being dropped from the World Cup squad in 2011 and then returning with such vigor and dominance showcases Sharma's indomitable spirit.
A key facet of Rohit Sharma's cricketing persona is his cool and composed demeanor, which not only comes forth in his batting but also distinctly marks his captaincy style. His unparalleled ability to remain unflustered even in challenging situations, coupled with making strategic, level-headed decisions, has undeniably been a significant asset for Team India.
Rohit will look to lead India to their first ICC trophy in 10 years by clinching World Cup 2023 title.
India will next face Pakistan on October 14 at the Narendra Modi stadium in Ahmedabad.
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