Indian cricket team captain Rohit Sharma has created history by becoming the first Indian player to score seven centuries in World Cups. He achieved this milestone during the Cricket World Cup 2023 match against Afghanistan in New Delhi. This accomplishment surpasses the legendary Sachin Tendulkar, who had six centuries in the six editions of World Cups he played in (1992, 1996, 1999, 2003, 2007, and 2011). However, Rohit achieved this feat in just three World Cups: 2015, 2019, and 2023.
Interestingly, Rohit Sharma also holds the record for the most centuries (five) by any batsman in a single World Cup edition. He achieved this remarkable feat during the 2019 World Cup in England. Moreover, Rohit’s century against Afghanistan was his 31st overall, surpassing Australian legend Ricky Ponting. He is currently behind India’s Virat Kohli (47) and Sachin Tendulkar (49) in the history of One Day International (ODI) cricket in terms of centuries.
Furthermore, Rohit Sharma broke Kapil Dev’s record for the fastest ODI century by an Indian player in World Cup history. He reached his century off just 63 balls, hitting 12 fours and 4 sixes along the way. In addition, Rohit also surpassed West Indies’ Chris Gayle for hitting the most sixes in international cricket across all formats.
During India’s chase of 273 runs against Afghanistan, Rohit Sharma displayed his exceptional form. He completed his half-century in just 30 balls, hitting three sixes and seven fours, and remained unbeaten on 60 runs off 32 balls at the end of the eighth over. Rohit’s signature pull shot against Afghanistan bowler Naveen-Ul-Haq on the penultimate ball of the eighth over helped him overtake Chris Gayle in terms of the most sixes hit in international cricket. The list is currently led by Pakistan’s Shahid Afridi with a total of 476 sixes.
Additionally, Rohit Sharma joined Australia’s David Warner as the fastest players to reach 1,000 runs in World Cup history, requiring only 19 innings to achieve this milestone. Among other Indian players, Sachin Tendulkar (20 innings) and Sourav Ganguly (21 innings) are among the quickest to reach 1,000 runs in World Cups.
Overall, Rohit Sharma’s exceptional performance and record-breaking achievements in World Cup matches have solidified his position as one of India’s greatest cricketers.