Rohit Sharma: The Record-Breaking King of ODI Double Centuries
Rohit Sharma: The Record-Breaking King of ODI Double Centuries
Every cricketer dreams of achieving the elusive feat of scoring a double century in One Day International (ODI) cricket. It requires not just skill and courage but an unparalleled level of resilience and patience. As of now, only eight cricketers have managed to achieve this feat, and among them, one stands out: Rohit Sharma. With three double centuries to his name, he is the only batsman to have achieved this remarkable milestone multiple times, writing his name into the annals of international cricket history.
Rohit Sharma’s Triple Double Century Achievements
Rohit Sharma, the Indian right-hand opener, possesses a unique place in the hearts of cricket fans. Among the eight players who have crossed the double-century mark in ODIs, he is the only one to have done so three times. This exceptional feat includes:
First Double Century
209 v Australia (2013): Rohit Sharma faced 158 balls to score his first ODI double century in a match against Australia in 2013. This innings showcased his remarkable ability to convert opportunities into meaningful runs, a trait that has marked his career.
Second Double Century
264 v Sri Lanka (2014): In a fascinating display of batting prowess, Rohit Sharma scored an astounding 264 runs off just 173 balls. This is the highest individual score in ODI history, and it still stands unbroken to this day. This innings took place at the iconic Eden Gardens, an apt home for such a memorable performance.
Third Double Century
208 v Sri Lanka (2017): In another thrilling ODI encounter, Rohit Sharma scored 208 runs, concluding the innings in 153 balls. This record has further cemented his place in the ODI history books and demonstrated his consistency in scoring double centuries.
ODI Double Centuries: An Elusive Goal for Many
While many cricketers aim to achieve the 200-run milestone once in their ODI career, the road to a double century is often fraught with challenges. The dedication and technique required to bat for long periods and maintain a high scoring rate are traits that only a few possess. In fact, eight cricketers have managed to score their double century, but only one has managed to repeat the feat. Apart from Rohit Sharma, seven other players have achieved this milestone during their ODI careers. However, two of them are female cricketers, with Belinda Clark being the first lady to reach this exclusive club.
Rohit Sharma’s Unmatched Achievement
Not many cricketers can claim to have been at the crease for such extended durations and still deliver exceptional performances. But Rohit Sharma, a batsman known for his aggressive and powerful batting, has managed to do exactly that. Here is a quick overview of his remarkable ODI double-century performances:
158 Balls for 209 Runs (2013)
Against Australia, Rohit Sharma faced 158 balls to score his first double century, a testament to his composure and ability to stay composed under pressure.
173 Balls for 264 Runs (2014)
His second double century came in 2014 against Sri Lanka, where he scored 264 runs off just 173 balls. This innings set a new ODI record and remains unbeaten, highlighting Rohit Sharma's batting excellence.
153 Balls for 208 Runs (2017)
In 2017, Rohit Sharma scored another double century against Sri Lanka, concluding his innings in 153 balls. This performance further solidified his status as a one-of-a-kind batsman in international cricket.
Conclusion
Rohit Sharma's achievement in scoring three double centuries in ODI cricket cannot be overstated. His performances are a testament to his skills and determination, making him a true legend of modern cricket. Each of his double-century innings not only adds to his personal tally but also contributes to the rich tradition of ODI cricket.