In the 2nd ODI vs West Indies in Vizag, Rohit Sharma once decimated the bowling with a top class innings of 159. In fact at one point it seemed that he might register a fourth double hundred. But it was not to be, he fell 41 short. Mind you, 159 is no mean score, but we are so used to him going the distance that we could not help but feel a little sad.
When it comes to sheer numbers, nobody can match the appetite for runs in ODIs when it comes to 'Hitman' as he is known. Virat Kohli is without a doubt the best batsman in ODIs but Rohit is certainly the best opener. When it comes to the sheer volume of runs, nobody can match him, no, not even Kohli. And the numbers do back him up.?
Rohit has hit 28 ODI tons. Out of those a record 8 of them are above 150. Nobody comes close. Out of those 8 150-plus scores, 3 are double hundreds. Yes, not one, not two, but three! No other player has more than one. On top of this he holds the highest individual score in ODIs of 264. He has held it since 2014.?
The hallmark of his knocks are usually to start steady and change gears after crossing 50. But when he goes past 100, that is when Rohit enters the zone. Unlike many players who tend to fizzle out after getting to three-figures, this guy just starts to score quicker. No wonder he is called the 'Hitman'. Not too long ago he used to be called 'Maggie Man' because he would get out cheaply. But he is certainly the best man for the job at the top of the order. Lethal in the powerplays. Rohit also has a tendency to stay almost till the end. No wonder he ends up with a big range of scores.?
Reliving his 3 triple tons, he upped the anti once he reached a century and by the 40th over he had crossed 130 on all occasions. Just shows how he sets himself up for the big ones. So the fact of the matter is, get him early or he will make you pay badly.?
Rohit is just 32 and will certainly be around for the next World Cup. Fancy a couple more 200s and a few 150s to his name? Why not? He is a run-machine and hungry for big scores. While the fire rages within, the hunger will be there and he will score. ?