Rohit Sharma showcased his brilliance in the second ODI against England, smashing seven sixes on his way to a magnificent century. Chasing a challenging target of 305, the Indian captain found his rhythm in the 50-over format just in time for the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025.
His knock of 119 off 90 balls included a blistering 30-ball half-century, reminding fans of the aggressive batting that made him the second-highest run-scorer in the 2023 World Cup. Rohit’s six-hitting spree took his career tally to 338 ODI sixes, bringing him just 13 short of Shahid Afridi’s record of 351.
And, legendary batter Sunil Gavaskar humorously suggested during commentary that if Rohit closes the gap, Afridi might even consider coming out of retirement.
“If Rohit Sharma closes in the gap then Shahid Afridi might be tempted to come out of retirement,” Gavaskar said.
Rohit was also on the verge of reaching 11,000 ODI runs but fell 13 runs short. Nevertheless, his return to form is a major boost for Team India as they gear up for the Champions Trophy in less than two weeks.
Strong Performances Bolster India’s Chase
Alongside Rohit, vice-captain Shubman Gill continued his fine form in the ODI series, notching back-to-back half-centuries to become the leading run-scorer of the series. His consistency at the top has further strengthened India’s batting lineup. Despite missing the first ODI due to a knee injury, Virat Kohli struggled on his return, managing just five runs. However, valuable contributions from Shreyas Iyer (44) and Axar Patel (41) ensured that India comfortably reached the target with 5.3 overs to spare.
England, after managing only 248 in the first ODI, put up an improved batting display. Ben Duckett and Joe Root struck crucial half-centuries, while Liam Livingstone’s late flourish propelled them past 300. Yet, their efforts fell short against India’s dominant batting performance.
Bowling Brilliance Seals the Win
India’s bowling unit also played a crucial role in securing the victory. Ravindra Jadeja was the standout performer, claiming three wickets with his trademark accuracy. Making his debut, mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy impressed with his economical spell, picking up a wicket and restricting England’s middle order. The all-rounder slot at No. 5 remains a positive takeaway for India, with Axar Patel proving his value with both bat and ball.
With a well-balanced team and key players finding form, India looks well-prepared as they set their sights on the Champions Trophy 2025.
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