Rohit Sharma ends his 16-month ODI century drought by smashing a 76-ball century against England.

India's captain, Rohit Sharma, returned to form ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy with an incredible 76-ball century in the second ODI against England. It was the captain of India's second-fastest ODI century.

Ankush Pandey Ankush Pandey
Feb 9, 2025 - 15:47 Updated: Feb 9, 2025 - 16:10
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Rohit Sharma ends his 16-month ODI century drought by smashing a 76-ball century against England.
Rohit Sharma ends his 16-month ODI century drought by smashing a 76-ball century against England.

INTRO

  • After 12 innings, Rohit Sharma recorded his first score of 50 or higher.
  • Since October 11, 2023, he has scored his first ODI century.
  • He needed 76 balls to score his 32nd ODI century.

In Sunday's second ODI against England at Barabati Stadium in Cuttack on February 9, India captain Rohit Sharma scored an incredible century to get back to his best before the Champions Trophy 2025. At the crease, Rohit looked his best, recording his first ODI century since October 11, 2023.

The opening batsman responded to his detractors with a brilliant innings, reaching the milestone in just 76 balls. During his innings, the captain of India hit 12 fours and seven sixes, displaying his aggressive best. During India's recent long Test season, Rohit's supporters stood by him despite his prolonged poor performance, and each shot from his bat served as a healing potion.

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In just 30 balls, Rohit reached his half-century, his first fifty-plus score in 12 innings of international cricket. After reaching the 80-run milestone with just 56 balls, he needed 20 more deliveries to reach his century. Using his feet to smash Adil Rashid over long off for a maximum, he hit the three-figure mark.

After his 63-ball century against Afghanistan in 2023, it was the second-fastest century for the opening batsman. Rohit started his innings cautiously, managing just one run off the first six deliveries before taking on Gus Atkinson in the second over, where he found his first boundary towards point and was then flicked for a six on the very next ball, sending the stadium's crowded crowd into a frenzy.

Rohit destroys Saqib Mahmood

Rohit found his rhythm and hit a stunning lofted cover drive against Saqib Mahmood to record his second six in the third over after the two boundaries helped him relax. Another easy six from Rohit's bat was hit by Mahmood as the India captain started to look at his devastating best, which was concerning for England.

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Due to a floodlight problem, the Indian innings was slightly delayed after the sixth over. After play resumed, though, it didn't stop the Indian captain from collecting another boundary against Mahmood. Additionally, Rohit was saved on the DRS by the on-field decision of not out after a close lbw shout against Mark Wood in the eighth over.

With no intention of stopping, the captain of India launched Wood's next delivery for a maximum over long-on. After hitting a few boundaries against Rashid, he eventually reached his fifty and raised his bat to show his appreciation for the crowd's support.

In the meantime, Rohit attempted to dominate against Liam Livingstone but was ultimately dismissed for 119 off 90 deliveries. As he made his way back to the pavilion, the audience erupted in cheers.

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