In a thrilling clash during the Asia Cup Super 4 match between India and Sri Lanka, Rohit Sharma etched his name in cricketing history by becoming the second-fastest player to reach 10,000 runs in One Day Internationals (ODIs). His achievement not only reaffirmed his status as one of the modern cricket greats but also left legendary figures like Sachin Tendulkar, Ricky Ponting, and MS Dhoni trailing behind.
Rohit Sharma's journey to this remarkable milestone was nothing short of extraordinary. After facing a spell of indifferent form, the India captain's return to his imperious best could not have come at a more opportune moment, just 22 days before the World Cup. Known for his ability to turn games single-handedly, Rohit added another feather to his cap as he became only the 6th Indian and the 15th player globally to cross the 10,000-run mark in ODIs.
What makes Rohit's feat even more impressive is the speed at which he achieved it. Virat Kohli still leads the list, reaching 10,000 ODI runs in just 205 innings, but Rohit secured the second spot, taking a mere 241 innings to achieve the milestone. In comparison, cricketing icons like Sachin Tendulkar, Ricky Ponting, Sourav Ganguly, and MS Dhoni took 18, 25, 22, and 32 innings more, respectively. This underlines Rohit Sharma's incredible consistency and ability to adapt to various conditions and opponents.
During the match against Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup 2023 Super Four stage, Rohit Sharma reached the coveted 10,000-run mark in style, smashing a six. This shot also made him the highest six-hitter in the history of the Asia Cup, surpassing the legendary Shahid Afridi. It was a fitting way for Rohit to reach this landmark, showcasing his ability to clear the boundary ropes with ease.
Rohit Sharma's innings on that day was nothing short of spectacular. He started his innings steadily but soon shifted into "beast mode," dispatching the Sri Lankan bowlers to all parts of the ground. His partnership with the young and talented Shubman Gill, who himself has been impressive at the top of the order, further underlined India's formidable opening pair. In just 12 innings together, Rohit and Gill had amassed over 1,000 runs, averaging an astonishing 91.3, including five half-century and four century partnerships.
Rohit Sharma's journey to 10,000 ODI runs is not just about statistics; it symbolizes his unwavering dedication, immense talent, and ability to rise to the occasion when his team needs it the most. As he gears up for the World Cup and beyond, cricket fans around the world can only expect more records to tumble and more extraordinary performances from this modern-day batting maestro. Rohit Sharma has left an indelible mark on the cricketing world, and his legacy as one of the all-time greats is firmly cemented.
