In a thrilling display of batting prowess, India’s captain Rohit Sharma roared back to form with a scintillating 119 off just 90 balls, leading his team to a commanding four-wicket victory over England in the second One Day International (ODI) at Cuttack’s Barabati Stadium on February 9, 2025. This innings not only secured an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series for India but also marked Rohit’s first ODI century in over 450 days, underscoring his enduring class and resilience.
Match Recap: A Captain’s Masterclass
Chasing a formidable target of 305 set by England, India got off to a flying start, courtesy of a 136-run opening partnership between Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill. Gill contributed a brisk 60 off 52 balls, providing the perfect foil to Rohit’s aggressive stroke play. Rohit’s innings was a masterclass in controlled aggression, featuring 12 boundaries and seven towering sixes. His ability to pace the innings, initially playing himself in before launching an all-out assault on the English bowlers, was reminiscent of his best performances.
England’s innings earlier in the day was anchored by Ben Duckett and Joe Root, who scored 65 and 69 runs respectively. Despite these contributions, England’s total of 304 was chased down by India with relative ease, reaching 308 for 6 in 44.3 overs. Ravindra Jadeja was the pick of the Indian bowlers, claiming three wickets for 35 runs, effectively stifling England’s middle-order momentum.
Surpassing a Legend: Rohit Breaks Sachin’s Record
Rohit’s century was not just a personal milestone but also a historic achievement for Indian cricket. With this innings, he surpassed Sachin Tendulkar’s record for the most international centuries by an Indian batsman after the age of 30. Rohit now has 36 international tons post-30, eclipsing Tendulkar’s tally and reinforcing his status as one of the modern greats.
Reflecting on his performance, Rohit emphasized the importance of breaking the innings into manageable phases. He stated, “I really broke it down into pieces about how I wanted to bat. It’s a 50-over format… but you still need to break it down and assess what you need to do at regular intervals, and that is what I kept doing.” This methodical approach allowed him to navigate the early overs cautiously before accelerating as the innings progressed.
Azharuddin’s Endorsement: A Vote of Confidence
Former India captain Mohammad Azharuddin lauded Rohit’s return to form, expressing optimism about India’s prospects in the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy. He remarked, “He is amazing, a class player. I congratulate him for breaking the record. I wish him all the best for the Champions Trophy. I think if Rohit Sharma clicks in the Champions Trophy, I have no doubt we will win it.” Azharuddin’s comments underscore the pivotal role Rohit plays in India’s ODI setup and the high expectations placed upon him.
A Timely Resurgence Ahead of the Champions Trophy
Rohit’s return to form couldn’t have come at a more opportune moment, with the ICC Champions Trophy set to commence on February 19, 2025, in Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates. India is slated to begin their campaign against Bangladesh on February 20, followed by a high-octane clash against arch-rivals Pakistan on February 23 in Dubai. Rohit’s resurgence provides a significant boost to India’s batting lineup as they prepare for the tournament.
Addressing Retirement Speculations
In light of Rohit’s recent lean patch in Test cricket, where he amassed only 164 runs in eight matches during the 2024-25 season, there had been murmurs about his potential retirement. However, Azharuddin emphasized that such decisions are deeply personal, stating, “It’s up to him. All these decisions are best left for the individual. Many people say ‘abhi retire ho jao’. The player who plays knows how intense his feeling for the game is.” This perspective highlights the importance of allowing athletes to determine their own career trajectories based on their passion and performance.
Rohit’s ODI Prowess: A Consistent Performer
Despite challenges in the longer format, Rohit has been a formidable force in ODIs since 2023. His aggressive yet consistent approach has yielded 1,533 runs in 32 matches at an average of 52.86 and a striking strike rate of 119.76. With three centuries and 11 fifties during this period, his highest score being 131, Rohit has reinforced his reputation as one of the most destructive openers in white-ball cricket.
Looking Ahead: India’s Champions Trophy Campaign
The ninth edition of the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy will feature eight teams competing in 15 matches across Pakistan and Dubai. India is placed in Group A alongside Pakistan, New Zealand, and Bangladesh. The team’s group stage fixtures are as follows:
- February 20: India vs. Bangladesh, Dubai
- February 23: India vs. Pakistan, Dubai
- March 2: India vs. New Zealand, Dubai
With Rohit Sharma back in form, the Indian team will be aiming to replicate their past successes in the Champions Trophy and add another accolade to their illustrious cricketing history.
Rohit Sharma’s majestic century in Cuttack not only sealed a series victory against England but also signaled his return to peak form ahead of a major international tournament. Surpassing a record held by the legendary Sachin Tendulkar, Rohit has once again proven his mettle on the big stage. As India gears up for the Champions Trophy, the team’s fortunes will be closely tied to their captain’s performance, and fans will be hopeful that Rohit’s willow continues to weave magic in the matches to come.
