A look at the best knocks from the hitman!
Rohit Sharma made his T20I debut for India during the 2007 T20 World Cup, where he impressed with a match-winning fifty against South Africa. This performance set the stage for an illustrious T20I career filled with remarkable performances. As an explosive opener, Rohit delivered numerous unforgettable knocks, including several memorable centuries. In this article, we will explore the list of Rohit Sharma's T20I centuries.
Rohit Sharma scored his maiden T20I century in October 2015 against South Africa. In the first T20I in Dharamsala, India batted first, and Rohit signalled his aggressive intent from the outset. Despite losing his opening partner, Shikhar Dhawan, Rohit continued his attack. He reached his fifty in 39 balls and then accelerated, hitting his century in the next 23 balls. Rohit was dismissed in the 16th over after scoring 106 off 66 deliveries, including 12 fours and 5 sixes, at a strike rate of 160.6. However, South Africa chased down India's 200-run target with two balls to spare, tempering Rohit's celebration.
Rohit Sharma's second T20I century came against his favourite opponent, Sri Lanka. Just 10 days earlier, the Mumbai batsman had punished the Sri Lankan bowlers with his third ODI double hundred. After being asked to bat first, Rohit and KL Rahul gave India a flying start. Rohit began aggressively, quickly racking up boundaries. As the main aggressor, he freely hit fours and sixes, reaching his fifty in just 23 balls. Rohit continued his onslaught, hitting four consecutive sixes in the 11th over. In the next over, he achieved his century off 35 balls, marking the fastest T20I hundred by an Indian batter.
In the decisive match of the 2018 3-match T20I series between England and India, England set a challenging target of 198 runs. Rohit Sharma, known as the Hitman, rose to the occasion magnificently. He consistently found the boundaries, ensuring India's scoring rate stayed above the required run rate. Rohit reached his half-century in 28 balls with a boundary and continued his aggressive approach. He completed his third T20 century off 56 balls, maintaining his attacking rhythm throughout the innings. Rohit's aggressive innings were pivotal as India comfortably chased down the 199-run target, with him finishing unbeaten on 100 off 56 deliveries, which included 11 fours and 5 sixes.
Four months after his outstanding innings against England, Rohit Sharma delivered another magnificent performance. In the second T20I against the West Indies in Lucknow, India was asked to bat first after the West Indies won the toss. India faced a slow start on the challenging Lucknow pitch, with Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan gradually finding boundaries. Rohit, after a cautious beginning, accelerated significantly after reaching his half-century, eventually scoring his fourth T20I century in 58 balls. He concluded the innings unbeaten on 111 runs off 61 deliveries, comprising 8 fours and 7 sixes, striking at an impressive rate of 181.96.
Rohit Sharma returned to India's T20I squad after more than a year, facing Afghanistan in a crucial 3-match series. However, his comeback was challenging with two consecutive ducks in the first two T20Is. Despite the series already being decided, it was pivotal for Rohit to regain form ahead of the 2024 T20 World Cup. India struggled early, losing four wickets in five overs. Rohit cautiously built his innings, reaching fifty off 41 deliveries. His fearless batting later saw him score a stylish century in 64 balls. Rohit's innings powered India to 212 runs, matched by Afghanistan in a tie, with India eventually prevailing in a thrilling double super over for victory.
