On this day: Rohit Sharma slams maiden ODI double century

Rohit Sharma is considered one of the finest batsmen of the modern-day world. His ability to hit big has helped Team India cross the victory line effortlessly. His double tons are famous around the cricketing world and speak a lot about his strength and stature. The Hitman has three ODI double tons to his name. The highest one stands to be his 264 that came against Sri Lanka in 2014.

The only batsman in the world to have smashed three double tons, Rohit stood tall on an occasion where India had to win the decider match. In late 2013, Australia was touring India and playing the deciding 7th ODI in Bengaluru on this day (November 2). The opener rose to the occasion once again and helped India wave the victory flag by a huge margin of 57 runs.

How it happened

Batting first, India posted a total of 383 on the board. Rohit’s innings were the highlight of the match, where he smashed 209 off 158 and broke the back of the Australian bowlers. He was looking in no mood to leave the pitch anytime soon before Clint McKay trapped him. He was the bowler who was hammered endlessly by Rohit. The Indian batsman was named as the Man of the Match for his brilliant knock. It was his first double ton in international cricket, and people around the world bowed down to his heroics. In the same match, MS Dhoni’s 62 off 38 also played an essential part.

On the bowling front, Ravindra Jadeja and Mohammed Shami named three wickets each to their credit as Aussies were bundled out on 326 runs. The best thing about Rohit’s innings was that he had hit more sixes than fours in his account. His 209 was laced with 16 sixes and 12 fours at a stunning strike rate of 132.27. His off-side drives were magnificent to watch in that innings. The star batsman was also named as the Man of the Series for his stellar performance throughout.