Rohit Sharma scored a century in three years as India beat New Zealand in the third ODI on Tuesday. Rohit last registered his ODI century for his 2020 match against Australia at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.
Indian skipper Rohit Sharma on Tuesday put an end to his three-year wait for his first triple-figure result at the One Day Internationals (ODIs), India’s win against New Zealand in Indore on Tuesday. A comfortable victory capped off a sizzling century. Veteran Indian opener Rohit hit his 30th ODI ton to match Ricky Ponting’s record of the century. As he celebrated his 100th anniversary in his third ODI against New Zealand on Tuesday, the station flashed stats that he was the first ton of Indian skippers since January 2020.
The statistics are true, but Rohit felt it didn’t paint the right picture.
“In terms of the first 100 in three years, I have only played 12 (17) ODIs in his three years.Three years is too long,” said India 3-0 in the final ODI. Rohit told reporters after whitewashing New Zealand in the series after scoring 90 runs.
“You should know what’s going on. I know it was aired on TV but kabhi kabhi woh cheez bhi dhyan dena chahiye, broadcaster ko bhi sahi cheez dikhana chahiye (Broadcaster should provide correct image),” he added.
When journalists further asked if it was a return of the ‘hitman’ nickname that had been used for him, Rohit, who struck nine fours and six sixes in India’s 90-run win, said: rice field. I do not know. Oh, someone must have told you! Out of the last 3 years, all have been home for his 8 months (in 2020). where was the match? Last year I only played T20 cricket.
Like I said, there were no games in 2020. Everyone was sitting at home because of COVID-19. We hardly played ODI. I got hurt, so he played two Tests in the meantime.
“Last year we played T20 cricket. In T20 cricket there is currently no better batsman than Suryakumar Yadav. He hit 200 and I don’t think he hit anyone else.”
Centuries before starter Rohit and his accomplice Shubman Gill scored his 90th round victory over New Zealand at the Holker Cricket Stadium. Reflecting on India’s memorable run, Indian skipper Rohit praised all-rounder Shardul Thakur for leading the hosts’ comeback with the ball in a high-scoring competition.
Indian all-rounder Shardul won his three wickets which were important for India and the pacesetter was also named Player of the Match. “Shardul has been doing this for a while. People called him a wizard in the team, but he came and delivered. Appeared in the New Zealand Series.
“Every time I have given Kuldeep the ball, he has made breakthroughs and taken important wickets. The wrist spinner gets better with time played. Gill’s approach is pretty much the same in every game. I want to restart all games. Joining the team as a young player and having that attitude is great. He may have taken it easy, but he doesn’t look like the man. Today’s hundred means a lot to me. The batting average was good, so it was just another step. The place was good today,” Rohit said.
Rohit last registered the ODI Century against Australia in 2020 at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. On Tuesday, his batting icon Rohit finished his century with just his 83 pitches, making his record-breaking 30 tons his second-fastest century in his ODI. The 35-year-old also equaled Sanas Jayasuriya’s record (28) for reaching his ODI century for his second-most as a starter. All-format his captain for India, in his ODI of 241 he scored 9,782 runs.