Rohit Sharma Breaks Sachin Tendulkar's Record as Oldest Indian to Score ODI Century

Rohit Sharma Breaks Sachin Tendulkar's Record as Oldest Indian to Score ODI Century

Rohit Sharma has become the oldest Indian batter to score a century in ODI cricket, breaking Sachin Tendulkar's previous record at the age of 39 years and 80 days. He achieved this feat at Lord's, chasing 388 against England in the series decider.

What happened?

Rohit Sharma made an emphatic 138 off 110 balls with 17 fours and five sixes, taking him past Sachin Tendulkar, who had held the Indian record since making 114 against Bangladesh in Mirpur in March 2012 at 38 years and 327 days. Rohit's hundred at Lord's came at the age of 39 years and 80 days, making him the oldest Indian batter to score a century in ODI cricket.

Why it matters for Rohit Sharma

Rohit's innings places him fifth on the all-time list of oldest ODI centurions, sitting between Ireland's Ed Joyce and England's Geoffrey Boycott, and making him the highest-placed subcontinental batter behind Sanath Jayasuriya. This achievement comes at a time when Rohit's future in the Indian team has been a subject of debate, with reports suggesting that the selectors have moved on from him ahead of the 2027 World Cup.

What comes next?

The timing of Rohit's achievement is significant, as it has come at a time when he was under pressure to perform. Rohit has responded in the most emphatic manner possible, making an emphatic 138 off 110 balls with 17 fours and five sixes. Whether this will change the selectors' minds is a separate question, but one thing is certain-Rohit has ensured the final image is of a batter in complete command rather than one being quietly moved aside.

Rohit's achievement is all the more remarkable considering that he already occupied second place on the list of oldest Indian batters to score an ODI century, having made an unbeaten 121 against Australia in Sydney last October. He now holds the top two positions, with Sunil Gavaskar and Mohinder Amarnath completing an illustrious group.

The global record for the oldest ODI centurion belongs to the UAE's Khurram Khan, who made an unbeaten 132 against Afghanistan in Dubai at the age of 43 years and 162 days. Rohit's innings places him fifth on the all-time list, and he is now the highest-placed subcontinental batter behind Sanath Jayasuriya.

Rohit's achievement is a testament to his enduring talent and his ability to perform under pressure. He has ensured that his final innings will be remembered as one of the most memorable in Indian cricket history.

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