Rohit Sharma breaks Chris Gayle's huge record during 5th Test; trails only David Warner, Sachin Tendulkar
Updated - 08 Mar 2024, 05:58 PM
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Team India skipper Rohit Sharma continued his dominance with the bat in the ongoing five-match Test series against England on home soil. Rohit Sharma scored his 12th Test hundred to guide the national team to a formidable position in Dharamsala on Friday, March 8.
The England bowlers were clueless against Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill in the opening session on the second day at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium. The duo notched up their centuries before the lunch break on Day 2 of the ongoing match.
Rohit Sharma capitalized on the solid platform set by the spinners’ performance against the visitors. He had reached his century by the end of the first session. The right-handed batter reached his 12th century in red-ball cricket for the India national cricket team.
Shubman Gill showcased aggressive play, complemented by Rohit Sharma’s anchoring innings, as they added a 171-run stand for the second wicket. Rohit scored 103 runs from 162 deliveries before being dismissed by Ben Stokes early in the second session of Day 2.
Rohit Sharma Breaks Chris Gayle’s Record During Fifth Test
Rohit Sharma surpassed former West Indies opener Chris Gayle in the rankings for most centuries by openers in international cricket. He now occupies the third position in this prestigious list, trailing only Australia’s David Warner and India’s Sachin Tendulkar.
Most international hundreds as an opener
David Warner: 49
Sachin Tendulkar: 45
Rohit Sharma: 43
Chris Gayle: 42
Sanath Jayasuriya: 41
Rohit Sharma Equals Sunil Gavaskar’s Record
Rohit also joined the esteemed Sunil Gavaskar in achieving the most centuries by Indian openers against England in Tests. Rohit equaled Gavaskar’s record as he scored his fourth century against England in Test cricket.
Most Test hundreds for Indian openers vs England
Rohit Sharma/ Sunil Gavaskar: 4
Vijay Merchant/ Murali Vijay/ KL Rahul: 3
The Indian cricket team is currently batting at 473/8 after 120 overs, boasting a lead of 255 runs, with Kuldeep Yadav (27*) and Jasprit Bumrah (19*) at the crease. The home team aims to extend their lead significantly to enhance their chances of victory in Dharmasala.
Super Impressed With The Way He’s Led The Side – Nick Knight
Former England player Nick Knight recently praised Rohit Sharma for his leadership amidst the challenges of five debutants and absent senior players. He commended Rohit for effectively managing the team and extracting the best from the debutants.
“I won’t necessarily start with his batting because it kind of looks after itself for the moment. But I would want to pick out the leader in Rohit. Five debutants in the series, several senior players, not available for various reasons,” Knight said.
“That puts pressure on the captaincy. Put pressure on how you deal with your dressing room. It puts pressure on how you get the best out of those debutants, and all of that is a massive tick. I have been super impressed with the way he’s led the side with the side that was under pressure,” he added.
India already sealed the Test series 3-1 with triumphs in Visakhapatnam, Rajkot, and Ranchi, despite a setback in Hyderabad. The Indian team maintained their winning momentum at the crease, securing their 17th consecutive home series victory in Test cricket.
Also read: Rohit Sharma equals Rahul Dravid’s mammoth record following his 12th Test century
