19 October,2026 09:43 AM IST | Mumbai | Rohan Koli
Rohit Sharma during his 138 against England at Lord’s, London, in July. Pic/BCCI
[popcorn number="Two" desc="No. of centuries scored by Rohit Sharma in ODIs outside India during this period - one each in Australia and England - compared to zero by other Indian batters in ODIs" class="Default"]
[popcorn number="100" desc="India's winning percentage in ODIs under Rohit's captaincy in 2025; the team won all eight ODIs under him, including the Champions Trophy" class="Default"]
[popcorn number="55.55" desc="India's winning percentage in ODIs after Rohit relinquished the captaincy, with 10 wins in 18 matches; the team lost three out of six series" class="Default"]
After managing just eight runs in the opening ODI, Rohit Sharma responded with a patient 73 off 97 balls on a bouncy Adelaide pitch. With India reduced to 17-2, the Mumbai opener steadied the innings, negotiating a testing opening spell from Australia's pacers. He struck seven fours and two sixes to guide India to 264-9.
Rohit anchored India's chase in the third ODI, helping the visitors avoid a series whitewash. Chasing 237, the then 38-year-old struck an unbeaten 121 off 125 balls, bringing up his 33rd ODI century off 105 deliveries. India cruised to victory with 69 balls to spare, while Rohit bagged both the Player of the Match and Player of the Series awards.
Rohit began cautiously against a disciplined South African pace attack, scoring just three runs off his first six deliveries. However, he soon found his rhythm, bringing up his half-century off 43 balls. Continuing his run of 50-plus scores, the right-hander made a fluent 57 off 62 deliveries to give India a solid start to the home series.
Rohit started slowly in the chase, scoring just six runs off his first 12 deliveries. He shifted gears after the Powerplay, reaching his half-century off 54 balls before being dismissed for 75 off 73 deliveries. His knock proved crucial in guiding India to victory.
With his career under scrutiny after scoring just 125 runs in his previous five ODIs, Rohit responded with a commanding 79 off 69 balls in the third and final ODI against Afghanistan. The veteran opener set the tone in the chase of 219, helping India complete a 3-0 series sweep and quieten his critics.
Ahead of the third and final ODI at Lord's, speculation was rife that the selectors were looking beyond Rohit for the 2027 ODI World Cup and that the match could be his last international appearance. The former India skipper answered his critics in style, becoming the first Indian to score an ODI century at Lord's with a blistering 138 off 110 balls. However, his effort went in vain as India fell 27 runs short while chasing 388.
Chasing 406 to win the series against the West Indies, Rohit struck his 35th ODI century, smashing 101 off just 75 balls. His innings silenced questions about his ability to sustain a long innings after fielding for 50 overs. The knock featured 10 fours and six sixes, laying the foundation for India's record chase.
Batting first in the third ODI, India slumped to 4-2 in just 2.4 overs as the seamers exploited the early conditions. Rohit responded with patience, scoring only 21 off his first 41 balls. Once settled, he accelerated and looked set for another century before falling eight runs short. His 92 off 85 balls helped India post 351-7.
