In what promises to be a significant milestone in his illustrious cricketing career, Indian captain Rohit Sharma is on the brink of eclipsing former captain MS Dhoni on the elite list of leading run-scorers in One Day Internationals (ODIs). In the ongoing three-match series against Sri Lanka, Rohit Sharma’s impressive performance has brought him tantalizingly close to achieving this remarkable feat. After scoring a quickfire 58 in the first ODI of the series, Rohit now needs just seven more runs to overtake Dhoni, thereby becoming the fifth highest run-getter for India in the ODI format and the eleventh highest overall on the global stage.
Rohit Sharma, after his 58-run knock in the series opener, has amassed a total of 10,767 runs in ODIs. MS Dhoni, who has been a monumental figure in Indian cricket, stands at 10,773 runs. What makes Rohit’s potential record even more remarkable is that he will surpass Dhoni in 40 fewer innings. Rohit’s career, which saw a transformative rise when he began opening the innings under Dhoni’s captaincy, has established him as one of the greatest openers in the history of the game, particularly in ODIs.
Taking a look at the legends in the list above him, it comprises of cricketing luminaries such as Sachin Tendulkar, who leads with a staggering 18,426 runs in 452 innings, followed by Virat Kohli with 13,872 runs in 281 innings, Sourav Ganguly with 11,363 runs in 300 innings, and Rahul Dravid with 10,889 runs in 318 innings. Rohit Sharma, having played 255 innings, is on the cusp of joining this elite league by surpassing Dhoni’s tally.
Since the beginning of 2023, Rohit has adopted a new, aggressive approach, known for taking the attack to the opposition right from the outset. This strategy has not only brought him personal success but has also proven beneficial for the Indian team in various formats. It worked to India’s advantage in the ODI World Cup, contributed to their victory in the recently concluded T20 World Cup, and was evident during the first ODI against Sri Lanka where Rohit’s aggressive 58 played a pivotal role, although the team fell short of a win.
Despite his sterling efforts, Rohit Sharma will be hoping for more substantial contributions from the middle-order as well. In the first ODI, after a promising start, the Indian team experienced a couple of collapses in the middle overs, thanks to an extraordinary comeback by Sri Lankan bowlers.
. The bowlers capitalized on the tricky surface in Colombo, ensuring the new Indian batters struggled to get a foothold, ultimately leading to India’s narrow loss.
As the three-match series progresses, India will again find themselves chasing in the second ODI after Sri Lankan captain Charith Asalanka won the toss and opted to bat first on Sunday, August 4. The Indian team, under Rohit’s leadership, will be keen to bounce back and secure a win to level the series.
Rohit Sharma’s imminent surpassing of MS Dhoni’s record isn’t just a personal milestone but also serves as a testament to his evolution and consistency as a cricketer. Known for his elegant stroke play and ability to pace an innings, Rohit has enriched the Indian cricketing landscape with numerous match-winning performances. His journey from a middle-order batsman to one of the world’s most formidable openers is inspirational, marked by dedication and relentless hard work.
MS Dhoni, often dubbed as ‘Captain Cool,’ has left behind a legacy that includes not just his runs but also his calm, strategic captaincy and exceptional wicket-keeping. Dhoni’s contribution to Indian cricket goes beyond numbers; his leadership saw India clinching numerous trophies, including the ICC T20 World Cup, the ICC Cricket World Cup, and the ICC Champions Trophy.
As Rohit Sharma stands on the threshold of surpassing one of Dhoni’s many records, it is a moment of pride and reflection for Indian cricket. It highlights the generational shift in Indian cricket where new heroes emerge and carry forward the rich legacy left behind by their predecessors. While records are meant to be broken, the respect and admiration for legends like MS Dhoni remain evergreen.
With two more ODIs to be played in this series, all eyes will be on Rohit Sharma as he inches closer to etching his name in history books yet again. The cricketing fraternity and millions of fans worldwide eagerly await this significant milestone, celebrating the spirit of sportsmanship and the relentless pursuit of excellence that defines Indian cricket.
