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Rohit Sharma's incredible cricket journey is about to get another golden chapter. The former Indian captain is all set to achieve a massive milestone during the second ODI of the ongoing three-match ODI series against Afghanistan on Wednesday (June 17) in Lucknow.
The record is even more special because Rohit will move ahead of one of India's greatest legends and former Indian head coach Rahul Dravid. Notably, Rohit Sharma who was called the born leader was run out by Rashid Khan for 16 runs off 16 balls in the rain-curtailed first ODI against Afghanistan in Dharamshala.
Rohit Sharma to overtake Rahul Dravid in 2nd IND vs AFG ODI
Presently, Rohit Sharma and Rahul Dravid share fourth place on the list of India's most-capped international players. But with one more appearance against Afghanistan on Wednesday, Rohit will become the fourth most-capped Indian player, pushing Dravid to fifth place.
The seasoned opener is now playing only ODI cricket after retiring from T20 Internationals in 2024 and Test cricket in 2025. Still, Rohit Sharma continues to add milestones to his already glittering career and valuable asset for India at the 2027 ODI World Cup.
The Indian opener made his ODI debut against Ireland in June 2007, but Rohit failed to make India's squad for the 2011 ODI World Cup. However, this setback did not stop him from becoming one of the most successful openers the 50-over game has ever seen.
Sachin Tendulkar remains at the top
Well, MS Dhoni’s decision to promote Rohit at the top in white-ball cricket in 2013 completely changed his career and turned him into one of the most dangerous opening batters in the game. Rohit has so far played 283 ODIs for the Men in Blue.
On the other hand, Rahul Dravid represented India in 164 Tests, 344 ODIs, and one T20I before retiring from the game back in 2012. Currently, Sachin Tendulkar, one of the all-time greatest batters in Tests and ODIs, leads the chart as the most capped Indian player.
The Master Blaster played a record 664 international matches during his legendary career. Virat Kohli sits on the second spot with 559 matches and is also active only in ODIs after retiring from Tests and T20Is. MS Dhoni is third on the list with 538 international appearances for the country.
Graeme Swann says search for next Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will never stop
Meanwhile, former England spinner Graeme Swann believes that no matter how well stars like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli perform, people will always look for the next big talent.
With India set to tour England in July after the Afghanistan ODI series, Swann feels the spotlight on Rohit and Kohli will only increase as young players continue to impress. He believes that even a small drop in form could restart the debate about their successors, especially after teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's incredible IPL 2026 season.
Swann told PTI Videos, “I think it's inevitable with any player when you come to the latter stage of your career, the second half of your career, if you like, that people naturally start looking for your successor, no matter how well you do. And even if you're at the top of your game, they're still looking like, "Who will be the next Virat?" Who will be the next Rohit when they go? That's very natural.”
He added, “And the second you have one or two low scores, everyone starts looking over your shoulder and seeing who's next in line. And obviously, with Sooryavanshi coming through and some of the youngsters, it puts even more onus on the guys, especially at the top of the order for India.”
