As the cricketing world turned its attention to the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad on Thursday, January 25, a significant personal milestone was achieved by none other than the Indian skipper Rohit Sharma. The onset of the much-anticipated Test series between India and England set the stage for Sharma’s ascent in the annals of Indian cricket history. England, having won the toss and electing to bat first, put forth a decent total of 246 runs in their first innings.
The Indian batting reply began strong, with young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal taking on the English bowlers confidently. However, the spotlight was on Rohit Sharma, who, despite exiting early with a score of 24 runs from 27 deliveries to the bowling of Jack Leach, etched his name in the records. This brief innings saw Sharma needing just 14 runs to overtake former captain Sourav Ganguly’s run tally and he managed that comfortably.
Sourav Ganguly, known for his graceful strokeplay and leadership, had an illustrious international career, accumulating 18,433 runs across formats in 485 innings, boasting an average above 40. His runs came along with 38 centuries and 106 half-centuries, a record that stood until Sharma’s recent effort.
Rohit Sharma’s 24-run knock pushed his aggregate to 18,444 runs from 490 innings, at an average of 43.29. This impressive record includes a staggering 46 centuries and 100 half-centuries. Sharma’s batting prowess and consistency have cemented his place among India’s cricketing elite.
Regarded as one of the greatest batsmen in cricket, Sachin Tendulkar remains at the pinnacle of the list with an astonishing 34,357 runs, a testament to his long and successful career. Continuing down the list, the current phenomenon Virat Kohli sits with a substantial 26,733 runs, with both him and Sharma actively contributing to their tallies.
Rahul Dravid, a bastion of the Indian middle order and the current head coach, occupies the third slot. His international career yielded 24,064 runs from 599 innings, at an average above 45, including 48 centuries and a massive 145 fifties. The top three spots are a considerable distance away, and it will indeed require a tremendous effort from Sharma to surpass these legends of the game.
As the series against England unfolds, Sharma’s role will be pivotal in leading the team, while he also chases these personal glories. For Rohit, however, the focus remains team success over personal accolades.
Meanwhile, in related cricket stories grabbing the headlines, Sarfaraz Khan’s relentless performance against England Lions included a riveting 89-ball century, reminding selectors of his potential. The ICC recently unveiled the Women’s ODI Player of the Year, with a Sri Lankan veteran claiming the honour, shining light on the immense talent in women’s cricket. Additionally, India’s pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah delivered an absolute gem to dismiss England’s captain Ben Stokes, a moment even the opposition captain couldn’t help but appreciate.
As records continue to be chased and milestones surpassed, the saga of runs keeps adding illustrious chapters to the rich tapestry of Indian cricket. Rohit Sharma writing his name alongside legends such as Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli, and Rahul Dravid is a testament to his enduring class and dedication to the sport. The fans will eagerly watch as he continues his pursuit to scale even greater heights in the pantheon of cricket’s finest.
