Rohit Sharma edges past Rahul Dravid in elite ODI list
The Chennai Masterclass: Rohit Sharma Guides India Home
Rohit Sharma. (Credits: BCCI/X.com)
During the third ODI against Afghanistan at the iconic MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, the cricketing world witnessed yet another masterclass from India’s veteran leader. Chasing a target of 219 runs on a pitch known for its spin-friendly nature, India needed a solid and composed start. Rohit Sharma delivered exactly that, playing a fluent and timely half-century off just 47 balls to put India in a commanding position. This innings was not just a match-winning effort; it also marked a major milestone as Rohit Sharma edges past Rahul Dravid in elite ODI list, further cementing his legendary legacy in world cricket.
Surpassing ‘The Wall’ on the Elite ODI List
Prior to this match, both Rohit Sharma and former batting legend Rahul Dravid were tied at 94 fifty-plus scores for India in One Day Internationals. With this latest knock against a disciplined Afghan bowling attack, Rohit notched up his 95th fifty-plus score, moving past Dravid to claim sole possession of the third spot on this elite list. Only the legendary Sachin Tendulkar with 145 fifty-plus scores and modern great Virat Kohli with 131 fifty-plus scores remain ahead of him. This feat serves as another reminder of Rohit’s quiet consistency over the years, proving that he has built one of the most reliable and formidable records in fifty-over cricket. To be positioned right behind Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli is a testament to Rohit’s longevity and supreme class in the limited-overs format.
Eclipsing Virender Sehwag as India’s Premier Opener
The record-breaking night in Chennai became even more special as Rohit Sharma achieved another massive milestone at the top of the order. With his fluent innings, Rohit moved past the legendary Virender Sehwag to become the highest run-scorer for India as an opening batsman across all international formats. Rohit now has 16,137 international runs as an opener, solidifying his position as India’s leading opening batsman in modern cricket. Passing Virender Sehwag, who was known for his destructive opening style that revolutionized modern batting, is a monumental feat that highlights Rohit’s incredible transition from a middle-order batsman in his early days to a legendary opener. His ability to adapt to different roles has been one of the defining characteristics of his illustrious career.
Silencing the Critics with the Bat
In the lead-up to this series, there had been growing chatter regarding Rohit’s long-term future in the ODI setup. With young talents like Yashasvi Jaiswal being groomed and Ishan Kishan showcasing excellent form, some experts and fans questioned whether Rohit’s legendary era was nearing its end. However, the Indian captain chose to let his bat do the talking. He started his innings cautiously, ensuring he got his eye in before shifting gears. Once settled, he completely controlled the tempo of the match, neutralizing Afghanistan’s dangerous spinners and preventing them from building any sustained pressure.
A Match-Winning 170-Run Stand with Yashasvi Jaiswal
The highlight of the run chase was the magnificent 170-run partnership between Rohit Sharma and young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal. Together, the duo completely took the game away from Afghanistan. Rohit’s masterclass finally came to an end when he fell for a brilliant 79, but by then, India was firmly in control of the match. This performance was another classic reminder of Rohit’s immense value at the top of the order—calm under pressure, reliable when it matters most, and still very much a world-class match-winner for India.
