Rohit Sharma broke Sachin Tendulkar’s 22-year-old record for the fastest 10,000 ODI runs as an opening batter during the third ODI against the West Indies in New Chandigarh on Saturday, October 3. Rohit also became the fourth batter to complete 10,000 runs as an opener in the 50-over format.
The Shubman Gill-led team won the toss and opted to bat first. India had already taken a 2-0 lead in the three-match series before the final ODI. The West Indies entered the match looking to avoid a clean sweep, while India aimed to finish the series unbeaten at a venue hosting its first men’s ODI.
Rohit Sharma Becomes Fourth Opener to Score 10,000 ODI Runs
Rohit Sharma needed only two runs to reach 10,000 ODI runs as an opener and completed the milestone with ease. He became only the fourth batter to achieve the feat, joining Tendulkar, Chris Gayle, and Sanath Jayasuriya.
Rohit reached the milestone in 202 innings, beating Tendulkar’s previous mark of 214 innings by 12 innings. Tendulkar previously held the record after reaching 10,000 runs as an opener in 214 innings against Australia in Brisbane on January 18, 2004.
Fastest to 10,000 ODI Runs as Opener:
| Player | Innings as Opener | Milestone Match |
|---|---|---|
| Rohit Sharma | 202 | vs West Indies, Chandigarh (Oct 3, 2026) |
| Sachin Tendulkar | 214 | vs Australia, Brisbane (Jan 18, 2004) |
| Chris Gayle | 268 | vs New Zealand, Manchester (Jun 22, 2019) |
| Sanath Jayasuriya | 303 | vs England, The Oval (Jun 20, 2006) |
India Make Three Changes as Anshul Kamboj Makes ODI Debut
India made three changes to their playing XI for the third ODI in New Chandigarh. Nitish Kumar Reddy returned to the side, while Mohammed Siraj also came back into the XI. Anshul Kamboj received his ODI debut ahead of the series finale.
New Chandigarh is hosting its first-ever men’s ODI. The Punjab Cricket Association marked the occasion with the traditional ringing of the bell by honorary secretary Gurmeet Singh.
India then suffered a nightmare start with the bat. Jayden Seales dismissed Shubman Gill for just one run in the third over after Shai Hope completed a sharp diving catch behind the stumps. Gill had scored 110 and 223* in the first two ODIs.
Seales struck again on the very next delivery, removing Virat Kohli for a golden duck. The West Indies pacer produced a superb delivery that pitched around off and moved sharply back into the batter, uprooting the middle stump and leaving India in early trouble.
Rohit Sharma Continues to Strengthen His Case as India’s Opener
Rohit Sharma had already made a strong impact in the previous ODI, scoring 101 off 75 balls with 10 fours and six sixes. The knock also took him past 12,000 ODI runs, making him only the third Indian after Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli to reach the landmark.
Rohit entered the West Indies series with plenty of attention on his place at the top of India’s ODI order. With Yashasvi Jaiswal being considered as a long-term opening option, the veteran batter needed to back his position with performances.
His recent form has helped strengthen that case. Rohit has continued to produce runs despite the questions surrounding his future. Consistent performances in the coming ODIs could further establish his position as an experienced option ahead of the 2027 World Cup.
Also read: Watch: Saim Ayub subjected to Rohit Sharma’s “garden mein nahi ghoomega” sledging by Indian fans
