Rohit Sharma, the swashbuckling opener from India, has etched his name into cricketing history with an extraordinary feat – scoring three double centuries in One Day International (ODI) cricket. His remarkable achievements in the Indian Premier League, where he captained the Mumbai Indians to an unprecedented five title wins, have further solidified his status as one of the greatest limited-overs batsmen of all time.

Sharma’s odyssey with double centuries in ODIs began in 2013 when he became the first cricketer to cross the 200-run mark, unleashing a blistering 209 against Australia. Two years later, he broke his own record with a mind-boggling 264 against Sri Lanka, the highest individual score in ODIs to date. Sharma’s third double ton, an unbeaten 208 against Sri Lanka in 2017, cemented his mastery over the format.

Rohit Sharma’s ODI Double Centuries:

Rohit Sharma’s ODI Double Centuries

Rohit Sharma has achieved numerous remarkable feats in his career, including scoring three double centuries in One Day Internationals (ODIs). These monumental knocks have etched his name in cricketing history as the only player to accomplish this extraordinary feat.

209 vs Australia

On November 2, 2013, at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore, India, Rohit Sharma became the first cricketer to score a double century in ODIs. He achieved this feat during the 7th match of the bilateral series against Australia. Rohit’s innings of 209 runs included 16 sixes and 12 fours, showcasing his exceptional batting prowess.

Key Moments and Milestones

• Rohit Sharma’s innings of 209 runs off 158 balls was a masterclass in batting. He struck 16 sixes and 12 fours, showcasing his exceptional power and timing.
• Rohit became the first cricketer in history to score a double century in ODIs, a feat that had eluded batsmen for 2,961 ODIs prior to this match.
• His 16 sixes in the innings set a new world record, surpassing Shane Watson’s previous record of 15 sixes in an ODI innings.
• Rohit’s knock propelled India to a mammoth total of 383/6 in their 50 overs, which was their highest team total against Australia at the time.
• The last five overs of India’s innings produced an incredible 101 runs, with Rohit and MS Dhoni (62 off 38 balls) unleashing a batting onslaught.

Impact and Significance

Rohit Sharma’s historic double century was a defining moment in his career and a testament to his batting prowess. This innings not only etched his name in the record books but also showcased his ability to take the game away from the opposition single-handedly.

The knock was a significant milestone in the evolution of ODI batting, as it demonstrated the potential for batsmen to score at an unprecedented rate and reach previously unattainable heights. Rohit’s innings set the stage for more double centuries to follow, and it remains one of the most iconic knocks in the history of ODI cricket.

264 vs Sri Lanka

On November 13, 2014, at Eden Gardens in Kolkata, India, Rohit Sharma surpassed his previous record and set a new world record for the highest score by an ODI batsman. He achieved this remarkable feat during the 4th match of the bilateral series against Sri Lanka. Rohit’s innings of 264 runs included 33 fours and 9 sixes, a testament to his batting dominance.

Highlights and Records Broken

1. Rohit Sharma’s remarkable innings of 264 runs off 173 balls included an astonishing 33 fours and 9 sixes, showcasing his exceptional batting prowess.
2. He surpassed Virender Sehwag’s previous record of 219 runs, becoming the highest individual scorer in ODI cricket at that time.
3. Rohit became the first batsman in the history of ODI cricket to score two double centuries, having previously scored 209 against Australia in 2013.
4. His innings propelled India to a massive total of 404/5, which was the highest team score in an ODI at that time.
5. Rohit reached the 200-run mark with a boundary off Kulasekara, and he continued his onslaught, reaching 250 with another boundary off Thisara Perera.
6. The partnership between Rohit and Virat Kohli yielded 100 runs, further solidifying India’s dominance in the match.
7. Rohit’s strike rate of 152.60 showcased his ability to score at a blistering pace while maintaining a high level of consistency.

Reactions and Acclaim

Rohit Sharma’s historic double century was met with widespread acclaim and admiration from the cricketing fraternity. His teammates celebrated his achievement on the field, recognizing the magnitude of his accomplishment. The Eden Gardens crowd witnessed a truly remarkable display of batting prowess, etching Rohit’s name in the annals of cricketing history.

The innings was hailed as a testament to Rohit’s talent, determination, and mental fortitude. It showcased his ability to adapt to different situations and capitalize on opportunities, even after receiving a life early in his innings. Rohit’s record-breaking feat not only inspired aspiring cricketers but also left a lasting impact on the cricketing world, solidifying his status as one of the greatest limited-overs batsmen of his generation.

208* vs Sri Lanka

On December 13, 2017, at Punjab Cricket Association IS Bindra Stadium in Mohali, India, Rohit Sharma scored his third double-century in ODIs. He achieved this milestone during the 2nd match of the bilateral series against Sri Lanka. Rohit’s unbeaten innings of 208 runs included 13 fours and 12 sixes, further solidifying his status as a batting colossus.

Rohit’s Batting Masterclass

1. Rohit Sharma paced his innings meticulously, reaching his first fifty off 65 balls with five fours.
2. He accelerated after reaching his century off 115 balls, having struck nine fours and a six by that point.
3. Rohit brought up his 150 off 133 balls, smashing 10 fours and seven sixes, showcasing his ability to shift gears seamlessly.
4. The carnage continued as Rohit reached the 200-run mark off 151 balls, having struck 13 fours and 11 sixes, leaving the Sri Lankan bowlers in disarray.
5. Rohit remained unbeaten on a remarkable 208 off 153 balls, an innings laced with 13 fours and 12 sixes, propelling India to a formidable total of 392/4.
6. His strike rate of 135.94 highlighted his ability to score at a blistering pace while maintaining a high level of consistency.
7. Rohit’s partnership with Shreyas Iyer, who scored an impressive 88 on his second ODI appearance, further solidified India’s dominance.

Outcome and Aftermath

Rohit Sharma’s unbeaten 208 played a pivotal role in India’s series-leveling victory, as they successfully defended the mammoth total, dismissing Sri Lanka for 251. His third double century in ODIs further cemented his status as one of the greatest limited-overs batsmen of all time.

In the post-match presentation, Rohit acknowledged the importance of the win for the team, especially after the humiliating loss in Dharamsala. He also praised the contributions of Shikhar Dhawan and Shreyas Iyer, who provided excellent support during his innings.

Rohit’s wife, Ritika Sajdeh, was present to witness this special moment, and he expressed his gratitude for her unwavering support throughout his cricketing journey. The couple celebrated their second wedding anniversary on this memorable day, making Rohit’s achievement even more special.

Rohit Sharma’s Double Century in International Test

Conclusion

Rohit Sharma’s remarkable feat of scoring three double centuries in ODIs is a testament to his exceptional batting prowess and unwavering determination. His ability to consistently deliver match-winning knocks on the biggest stages has cemented his legacy as one of the greatest limited-overs batsmen of his era. These record-breaking innings have not only inspired aspiring cricketers but also rewritten the boundaries of what was once deemed impossible in the world of cricket.

While Rohit’s brilliance is undeniable, his achievements also reflect the collective strength and support of the Indian team. His partnerships with fellow batsmen like Virat Kohli, Shikhar Dhawan, and Shreyas Iyer have played a crucial role in his success. As Rohit continues to scale new heights, his fans eagerly anticipate more memorable performances, further solidifying his status as a true cricketing legen

Rohit Sharma Double Century List FAQs

1- How many double centuries have Rohit Sharma scored in ODIs?

Rohit Sharma has scored three double centuries in One Day Internationals (ODIs), the highest by any cricketer. He achieved scores of 200 or more in 2013, 2014, and 2017. Notably, he holds the highest individual score in ODIs with 264 runs.

2- What is the total number of double-centuries scored in ODIs?

As of now, 14 double centuries have been recorded in the ODI format, including two scored in women’s cricket. Rohit Sharma is distinguished for being the only player to have scored more than one double-century in this format.

3- How many centuries has Rohit Sharma scored in ODIs?

Rohit Sharma has scored a total of 31 centuries in One Day Internationals. Overall, he has 48 international centuries to his name, which includes 31 in ODIs, 12 in Tests, and 5 in Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is) as of March 2024.

4- Who holds the record for the fastest double century in ODI cricket?

The record for the fastest double century in ODI cricket is held by Ishan Kishan, another Indian cricketer. He scored 200 runs from just 126 balls against Bangladesh in December 2022, making it the quickest double-century in ODI history.