Rohit Sharma He added another monumental chapter to his scintillating legacy during the opening ODI South Africa in Ranchi. In a performance that mixed authority with artistry, the former India captain smashed one of limited-overs cricket’s most iconic records Shahid Afridifor a long time.
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Rohit pulled off a stunning feat to become the sixth-most in ODI history with 351, a single, dazzling 651 in which he bowled Ranchi together. Walking with clarity and intent, Rohit dominated the South African attack, matching Afridi’s record with back-to-back returns Prenelan Kharabrayen Before overlapping with the short arm of the vine Marco Jansen.
His batting was effortless, his timing scrupulous and ready to dictate the rhythm of the innings, a reminder of why he remains one of the most complete limited-overs batsmen of his generation. Off the record, Rohit also chimed in with his 60th ODI fifty, chasing the South African bowler as he looked for answers. His new phase adds to an already extraordinary resume, where he leads the T20IS for T20IS (205) and is among the most effective hitters in Test cricket with 88 sixes. The Ranchi crowd reported that they were witnessing a moment they were witnessing a moment that received rave reviews.
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South Africa’s bowl decision initially looked risky from the opening overs Jaishvi Jaiswal and Rohit Sharma immediately capitalized on the hard new ball, racing India to 50 in seven overs. Jaiswal’s quick cameo came to an end when Burger sealed an edge, but it was only Odi Cricket’s most destructive partnership, Rohit and Virat Kohli. Rohit started cautiously before moving into his influential range, pulling Jansen for a six and then equaling Shahid Afridi’s record of pulling Subrayen back. His highlight came in his signature style of six: he pulls a floating front leg off his fine leg, sending the Ranchi crowd into a frenzy.
Along with that, Kohli played the role of pace-controller to perfection, piercing gap, punishing width with a spinning strike and a series of elegant cover drives. Their century stand came with ease, built on crisp work and overall command over the South African attack. Subrayen and Bosch offer oozing boundaries, while Baartman struggles with discipline, repeatedly offering length.
Jansen ended his record-tying innings at the end, but not to slow India’s momentum, trapping Rohit LBW on 57. Loture gaikwad’The Short Tour ended with a Shortened Loft, yet India’s run rate stayed above 6.7 thanks to Kohli continuing to find boundaries. With Washington Sundar to join him and India already at 185/3 in 27.2 oversA total outside of 330 would have achieved a lot. South Africa will need immediate breakthroughs in the middle overs to prevent India from knocking them out of the contest completely.
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