The last time when Australia toured India for a limited over series in 2013, it was Rohit Sharma who ended the series on a high with a double century at M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Karnataka.
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During the series, there were many memorable performances. From Faulkner’s heroics in Mohali to Virat Kohli’s breaking the record of the fastest century by an India in ODI, many records were broken as well. However, a special knock of 209 from Rohit just overshadowed each and every record, as he became the third player in the history of ODI cricket to touch the 200-run mark.
At that time, only Sachin Tendulkar and Virender Sehwag were the other two to achieve this record. After four years, the Australia team is again in India to play a limited-over series and Rohit Sharma, now the vice-captain of Indian cricket team, has said he would be quite happy if he is able to replicate his performance in the last series,
“I would be happy if I could repeat the performances from last time. Australia are a different side with a different team dynamics. Our team dynamics have changed. Every time you play a new series, you come with a new mind set and try to repeat the same performances. I have to think fresh and not dwell on what happened in the past. That is what I will try and do,” Rohit said.
It is the second limited-overs bilateral series which Rohit is playing after his comeback from injury. He missed a major portion of the home season last year, and only made a comeback to international cricket for ICC Champions Trophy. He was again given a rest for the Windies series and then returned for Sri Lanka tour.
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On being asked whether he would like to take rest again due to injury concern, the ‘Hitman’ said he was in no mood of taking rest from the game as of now,
“Cricketers have a limited career. We have to make the most of the time we have. So there are no excuses of burnout or being on tight schedule. We have to play as much we can. I wouldn’t like to take a break. I am coming from an injury layoff so I don’t see myself doing that. I want to play as many games as possible. Whenever there is an opportunity, I want to be on the field.”
In the first ODI, which will be played in Chennai, Rohit will open with a new partner. It will be either Ajinkya Rahane or KL Rahul as Shikhar Dhawan has been ruled out of the first three ODIs due to personal reasons. The chances of Rahane getting a nod over Rahul at the top looks quite bright.
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