Back in 2008, during the Commonwealth Bank Series in Australia, a 20-year-old Rohit Sharma played a memorable knock of 70* off 64 balls against Sri Lanka in Canberra. Batting at No. 4, he displayed remarkable composure and shot-making ability, leaving cricketing legends like Sunil Gavaskar, Ravi Shastri, and Wasim Akram in awe. The unanimous verdict from the commentary box was clear: This player is destined for greatness.
Seventeen years later, Rohit has more than lived up to those early expectations. With 11,029 runs in 269 ODIs at an average of 49.01, including 32 centuries and 57 fifties, he has cemented his place among India’s finest batters. A two-time World Cup winner, including one triumph as captain, he continues to be a pillar of Indian cricket.
On Thursday, in Dubai, Rohit once again showcased his fearless approach on a tricky pitch where others treaded cautiously. Leading from the front in India’s Champions Trophy opener against Bangladesh, he provided a blistering start in the chase of 229. His 41 off 35 balls, laced with seven elegant boundaries, set the foundation for a comfortable six-wicket victory.
Reflecting on Rohit’s career, legendary fast bowler Wasim Akram recalled that defining knock from the 2008 tri-series, a moment when he first recognized the batter’s extraordinary talent.
“Players like him are rare,” Akram said on Sports Central. “I remember when he had just entered the Indian team—he had scored 70 in Hobart, maybe as an opener or at No. 3 or 4. We were in the commentary box—me, Shaz (Ravi Shastri), Sunny bhai (Sunil Gavaskar), Harsha (Bhogle), Alan (Wilkins), Geoffrey Boycott—and our unanimous call was that Rohit is destined for greatness.”
Akram further described Rohit’s effortless stroke play, a quality that sets him apart. “There are batters who play a shot, and you can see the effort behind it. But Rohit just times the ball without applying much effort. He’s just special.”
From a young prodigy to a global cricketing icon, Rohit Sharma’s journey is a testament to his talent, perseverance, and ability to rise to every occasion.
