Rohit Sharma: From A Mediocre Test Batter To A Brilliant Opener
Despite his immense talent and potential, Rohit Sharma's ODI numbers were nothing more than ordinary for a third of his career. He had just scored 1978 runs in 81 innings at an average of 30.43 and strike rate of 77.9 with two hundreds and 12 fifties. Nothing to write home about! 23rd January, 2013, India vs England, 4th ODI, Mohali: Rohit Sharma was sent up the order to open the innings for India. He had batted as an opener three times before in 2011 but that was more of a temporary role than a motivated push. Rohit hammered a fine 83 off 93 deliveries and helped India chase down the 258-run target set by England. That innings changed something in Rohit – the ODI batter. He never looked back. India had unearthed a new star at the top the order. Since the start of 2013, Rohit – the ODI opener has amassed 8807 runs in 173 innings at a staggering average of 56.45 and strike rate of 96.29 with 29 hundreds and 44 fifties. He is widely regarded as amongst the greatest ODI openers of all-time. Fast forward to 2019.
