“Rohit Sharma’s stunning century vs England ends a 487-day drought! Tributes pour in as he leads India to victory. Read full match highlights.”
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Rohit Sharma Ends Century Drought in Spectacular Fashion
Indian cricket captain Rohit Sharma made a sensational return to form, smashing a brilliant century in the second ODI against England in Cuttack. The prolific opener played an aggressive knock of 119 runs off just 90 balls, helping India chase down a challenging target of 305 with more than five overs to spare.
This innings was significant for Rohit as it marked his first ODI century since the 2023 World Cup match against Afghanistan, ending a long wait of 487 days for a three-figure score in the 50-over format. His masterful knock drew widespread praise from fans, experts, and former teammates alike.
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Teammates Pay Tribute to Rohit Sharma
Following Rohit Sharma’s exceptional performance, several of his current and former teammates took to social media to congratulate him. Suryakumar Yadav, who captains India in T20Is, expressed his admiration for Rohit’s perseverance and class.
“Good things happen to good people. God is great,” Suryakumar posted on his Instagram story, acknowledging Rohit’s hard work and determination.
All-rounder Hardik Pandya, who was part of India’s playing XI in the match, also praised Rohit and the electrifying atmosphere at the Cuttack stadium.
“Cuttack, what an atmosphere. Rohit Sharma stole the show,” Hardik wrote on Instagram, celebrating both the crowd and Rohit’s match-winning performance.
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Yuvraj Singh Hails Rohit Sharma’s Return to Form
Former Indian cricketer Yuvraj Singh, who once shared the dressing room with Rohit Sharma, also took to social media to appreciate the Hitman’s explosive innings.
“And he’s back with a bang! Cannot keep the hitman quiet for long. Cracker of an innings with the bat doing all the talking,” Yuvraj posted on X (formerly Twitter), recognizing Rohit’s ability to bounce back when it matters the most.
Hardik Pandya to Lead Mumbai Indians While Rohit Plays Under Him
Interestingly, while Rohit Sharma leads the Indian ODI team, he will be playing under Hardik Pandya’s captaincy in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. Hardik, who took over the Mumbai Indians captaincy in the previous season, will lead the five-time champions once again, while Rohit will play a key role as a senior batsman in the squad.
India vs England 2nd ODI: Rohit Sharma’s Heroics Lead India to Victory
Chasing a competitive total of 305, Rohit Sharma’s sublime 90-ball century, which featured 12 boundaries and seven sixes, set the foundation for India’s comfortable win. India wrapped up the chase with 33 balls to spare, securing an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.
His partnership with young opener Shubman Gill proved crucial, as the duo added 136 runs for the opening wicket. Rohit brought up his 32nd ODI century in just 76 balls, reaching the landmark with a six off England leg-spinner Adil Rashid.
Overcoming a Lean Patch in Style
Rohit’s return to form comes at a crucial time for Indian cricket. Before this century, he had endured a tough phase, averaging only 10.37 across his previous 16 innings in all formats during the 2024-25 season. His struggles were evident in India’s Test series loss to Australia, where he failed to make a significant impact.
Despite a 20-minute break due to a floodlight failure at the stadium, Rohit remained focused and played with immense confidence. His innings showcased his trademark pull shots, elegant drives, and powerful stroke play. He was eventually dismissed by Liam Livingstone’s leg-spin, departing to a well-deserved standing ovation from the Cuttack crowd.
Just Short of Another Milestone
Rohit Sharma’s knock brought him agonizingly close to yet another milestone in his illustrious career. He fell just 13 runs short of becoming only the fourth Indian cricketer to surpass 11,000 runs in ODI cricket. However, given his current form, it is only a matter of time before he reaches this landmark.
Rohit’s Influence on Indian Cricket
Rohit Sharma has been an integral part of India’s cricketing success over the past decade. From his early days as a middle-order batsman to becoming one of the most reliable openers in the world, Rohit has constantly evolved his game. His ability to perform in high-pressure situations, particularly in ICC tournaments, has made him a key player for India.
His leadership qualities have also been evident, both at the international level and in the Indian Premier League (IPL), where he led Mumbai Indians to multiple titles. His ability to inspire young cricketers and lead from the front has cemented his status as one of India’s greatest cricketers.
Looking Ahead: Champions Trophy 2025 Awaits
With the Champions Trophy 2025 set to begin on February 19 in Pakistan and Dubai, Rohit’s return to form is a massive boost for Team India. As the team eyes ICC glory, Rohit Sharma’s experience and leadership will be instrumental in their campaign.
His stunning century in Cuttack has reaffirmed his status as one of India’s finest ODI batsmen. With the ODI series already sealed, fans will be eager to see if Rohit can carry this momentum into the final game and the upcoming international tournaments.
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The Importance of Rohit Sharma’s Comeback
Rohit Sharma’s resurgence comes at a time when Indian cricket is going through a transition phase, with several young players making their way into the squad. Having an experienced campaigner like Rohit at the helm provides stability and a sense of direction to the team. His ability to handle pressure and anchor the innings while playing attacking cricket makes him an asset for India.
Furthermore, as India prepares for the upcoming T20 World Cup and other marquee events, Rohit’s form will be crucial. His adaptability across formats and his aggressive yet calculated approach make him a vital cog in India’s batting lineup.
Some interesting facts about Rohit’s childhood:
Humble Beginnings
Rohit Sharma was born on April 30, 1987, in Bansod, Nagpur, Maharashtra, into a financially modest family. His father worked as a caretaker in a transport company, and his family struggled financially.
Raised by His Grandparents
Due to financial constraints, Rohit spent most of his early childhood living with his grandparents and uncles in Borivali, Mumbai, while his parents stayed in a small house in Dombivli.
Started as an Off-Spinner
Before becoming a world-class batsman, Rohit Sharma was initially an off-spinner. His talent for batting was discovered by his coach, Dinesh Lad, who advised him to focus on his batting skills.
Scholarship for Cricket
Recognizing his potential, coach Dinesh Lad helped Rohit get a scholarship at Swami Vivekanand International School in Mumbai, which had better cricket facilities. This was a turning point in his career.
Century in First School Match as an Opener
Rohit Sharma first opened the batting in a school match and scored a century (120 runs). This was a crucial moment that led him to become an opener in professional cricket as well.
Love for Virender Sehwag
As a young boy, Rohit idolized Virender Sehwag and tried to imitate his aggressive batting style. Today, Rohit himself is known for his fearless stroke play.
Struggled with English in School
Coming from a Marathi-speaking family, Rohit had difficulty speaking English fluently in his early years. However, he worked on improving his language skills over time.
Big Fan of Football
Apart from cricket, Rohit Sharma loved football as a child and is an avid supporter of Real Madrid. He often plays football during training sessions.
These childhood experiences shaped Rohit Sharma into the cricketer he is today—one of India’s finest batters and an inspirational leader.
Conclusion
Rohit Sharma’s brilliant century against England has once again proved why he is regarded as one of the best batsmen in modern cricket. The tributes from Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, and Yuvraj Singh highlight the admiration and respect he commands in the cricketing world. As India prepares for bigger challenges, a resurgent Rohit Sharma could be the key to their success on the global stage.
With his experience, leadership, and match-winning ability, Rohit Sharma continues to be an indispensable asset to Indian cricket. Fans and cricketing experts alike will be watching closely as he continues his journey, breaking records and leading India towards future triumphs.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this content is based on publicly available sources and reports. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy, some details may vary. This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to infringe on any copyrights or personal rights.
FAQs
When did Rohit score his latest century?
Rohit scored his latest ODI century in February 2025, during the India vs England 2nd ODI in Cuttack. He smashed 119 runs off 90 balls, helping India chase down 305 runs comfortably.
How long was Rohit’s century drought in ODIs?
Rohit went 487 days without scoring an ODI century. His last ton before this came against Afghanistan in the 2023 World Cup.
How did Rohit’s teammates react to his century?
Several players, including Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, and Yuvraj Singh, praised Rohit’s knock. Suryakumar called it a moment of destiny, while Hardik and Yuvraj hailed his ability to perform under pressure.
Why is Rohit’s return to form important for India?
With the Champions Trophy 2025 approaching, Rohit’s form is crucial for India’s success. His experience and leadership will be vital in India’s campaign in Pakistan and Dubai.
How did Rohit perform in the recent Test series?
Rohit struggled in India’s Test series defeat against Australia before the ODI series, averaging just 10.37 in his last 16 innings. His ODI century marked a strong comeback.
What milestone did Rohit miss during his century?
Rohit fell 13 runs short of becoming the fourth Indian batsman to reach 11,000 ODI runs. However, he is expected to achieve this milestone soon.
Who will captain Mumbai Indians in IPL 2025?
Hardik Pandya will lead Mumbai Indians in IPL 2025, while Rohit will play under him after being replaced as the franchise’s captain in the previous season.
What are some interesting childhood facts about Rohit?
He was raised by his grandparents due to financial difficulties.
Initially, he was an off-spinner before becoming a batsman.
He earned a cricket scholarship at Swami Vivekanand International School in Mumbai.
How many ODI centuries has Rohit scored?
With this century, Rohit now has 32 ODI centuries, making him one of India’s most successful batters in the format.
What’s next for Rohit in international cricket?
Rohit will lead India in the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025 and will also play a key role in India’s preparations for the T20 World Cup 2026.
By watchnewz