Indian National Cricket team vice-captain, Rohit Sharma is on the verge of achieving yet another landmark during the fifth ODI against Australia on March 13 (Wednesday) at the Feroz Shah Kotla in Delhi. Meanwhile, Rohit has finally returned to form with a scintillating knock of 94 runs in the last game. So far, he has struggled to put good scores behind his back and finally got going in Mohali. He will aim to continue scoring his runs as the men in blues look to seal the series at Delhi.
However, on the personal front, Rohit Sharma stares at another milestone. The opener from Mumbai needs 46 more runs to the milestone of 8000 ODI runs. If he gets there in his next innings – his 200th, Rohit will be the joint third fastest to the landmark. Meanwhile, Rohit’s teammate Virat Kohli leads the chart as he reached the mark in 175 innings followed former South Africa skipper AB de Villiers. The dynamic batsman who announced his retirement last year registered his 8000 ODI runs in 182 innings. Currently, former Indian National Cricket team skipper Sourav Ganguly sits in the third spot of the list of fastest to 8000 ODI runs. Ganguly has achieved the feat in 200th innings of his career.
Going the by way Rohit Sharma batted in the last match, he is likely to touch Ganguly and be in the third joint spot. The management will also want Sharma to score a daddy hundred to provide the men in blues with a perfect start along with Shikhar Dhawan.
Exciting clash on the cards
For the Indian National Cricket team, the Mohali loss will be the waking call for the men in blues ahead of the World Cup. They have been very sloppy on the field and will have to rectify those mistake sooner to avoid any significant upset at the pinnacle tournament. Besides, the bowling department – who was in outstanding form suddenly looks unsettled as they failed to defend the massive target in the last game.
On the other hand, Australian batsmen have bounced back in the series which has been crucial for them in their turnaround. The return of form for Aaron Finch, Usman Khawaja, and Peter Handscomb along with Ashton Turner playing a blind cameo has overturned their future in the series. Ashton Turner, who came into the playing XI in the last game in place of Marcus Stoinis – sustained a finger injury, made full use of the opportunity. He played an unbeaten knock of 84 runs from 43 balls to seal the deal for the visiting side.