India opener Rohit Sharma finally scored big in the ongoing five-match series against Australia during the fourth ODI in Mohali. The right-handed batsman had started the series on a poor note, scoring 37, 0 and 14 in the first three games. However, he roared back to form in the fourth game and missed a well-deserved century by just 5 runs. Along with Rohit, his opening partner Shikhar Dhawan had also returned to form, scoring 143 as the openers added a mammoth 193 runs for the first wicket. India had eventually posted a mammoth total of 358 for 9.
However, Rohit and Dhawan’s efforts eventually went in vain as India failed to defend the big total. It was the first time, the Men in Blue had failed to defend a 350-plus total. Prior to the Mohali ODI, the biggest total chased against them was 322.
Australia had started poorly, losing Aaron Finch and Shaun Marsh for just 12 runs. Usman Khawaja (91) and Peter Handscomb then revived Australia’s chances by adding 192 runs for the third wicket. Ashton Turner then played a blinder, hammering 84 not out off just 43 to take Australia over the line with 13 balls remaining.
India will be looking to bounce back and win the fifth ODI in Delhi to seal the series. Well, Rohit will also look to continue his form and will have a chance to add another milestone to his name.
Rohit Sharma needed 46 more runs to equal Sourav Ganguly’s record of being the third fastest to reach 8000 runs in ODIs. The former India skipper achieved the feat in 200 innings and this will be Rohit’s 200th if he plays the game. India skipper Virat Kohli holds the record after reaching the milestone in just 175 games. Former South Africa skipper AB de Villiers is second with 182 innings.
Overall, Rohit will become the ninth Indian cricket team player to reach 8000 runs after Virat Kohli, MS Dhoni, Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, Virender Sehwag, Yuvraj Singh, Sourav Ganguly and Mohammad Azharuddin.
Rohit, meanwhile, can also go past Sourav Ganguly in terms of ODI centuries. Rohit and Ganguly jointly hold the third position for India with 22 tons. Sachin Tendulkar leads the list with 49 followed by Virat Kohli on 41.