The ICC Cricket World Cup is the holy grail of One Day International cricket. For any cricketer, performing in the World Cup is the ultimate dream. Scoring centuries in this mega event requires tremendous composure and concentration under intense pressure. Among the current generation of cricketers, Rohit Sharma stands tall as the most prolific centurion in ODI World Cups. With his sensational hundred against Afghanistan in the 2023 World Cup, Rohit became the first player to reach the landmark of 8 centuries in the marquee event.
Rohit’s insatiable hunger for runs has helped him scale Mount Hundred in ODI World Cups like no other batsman. His majestic century against Afghanistan was a masterclass in graceful strokeplay and flawless timing. Let us relive each of Rohit’s record 8 ODI World Cup centuries that have left fans spellbound over the years.
1) 137 vs Pakistan, Adelaide, 2015
Rohit’s love affair with World Cup hundreds began in the 2015 edition with a dazzling 137 against arch-rivals Pakistan. Walking out to bat in the high-voltage clash at Adelaide, Rohit played a wonderfully controlled innings. He was cautious initially before launching a stunning counterattack, taking the ace Pakistani bowlers to the cleaners. Rohit’s whirlwind knock came off just 126 balls with 15 fours and 6 sixes. This was a significant knock that set the tone for India’s successful World Cup campaign.
2) 126 vs Bangladesh, Melbourne, 2015
If Rohit’s first century showcased his cautious side, the next one proved his destructive abilities. Facing Bangladesh in the quarter-final at Melbourne, Rohit blitzed his way to 126 off just 83 balls. He clobbered 17 boundaries and a mammoth 8 sixes all around the park much to the delight of the fans. Rohit’s explosive ton shattered Bangladesh’s hopes as India cruised to an emphatic 109-run win.
3) 122 vs South Africa, Southampton, 2019
India’s opening fixture against South Africa in the 2019 World Cup saw Rohit display his composed side. On a tricky Southampton pitch, Rohit anchored the innings beautifully by dropping anchor before accelerating. His 122 came off 144 deliveries as he deftly maneuvered the field and pierced the gaps. The hallmark of this innings was Rohit’s application and sensible pacing of the innings.
4) 140 vs Pakistan, Manchester, 2019
If Rohit’s first World Cup ton against Pakistan was impressive, the next one was simply breathtaking. He walked out in a high stakes game at Old Trafford and played an innings for the ages. Rohit took the Pakistani bowlers to the cleaners enroute a dazzling 140 off just 113 balls. When Rohit gets into his zone, no total is big enough as the Pakistanis realized much to their dismay that day.
5) 102 vs England, Birmingham, 2019
India’s group stage clash against England was billed as a blockbuster. Chasing a stiff 338 at Edgbaston, India were powered by Rohit’s artistic 102. He played an array of exquisite strokes sprinkled with clever improvisations to take India close to the finish line. Despite India losing the game, Rohit won a billion hearts with his sublime touch and pristine timing on all sides of the wicket.
6) 104 vs Bangladesh, Birmingham, 2019
In his next innings against Bangladesh, Rohit proved his appetite for daddy hundreds was far from over. He carved out a run-a-ball 104 on a difficult Edgbaston surface to single-handedly power India to 314. This was a high pressure knock with India losing early wickets. But Rohit displayed ice-cool temperament and his full repertoire of strokes much to the fans’ delight.
7) 103 vs Sri Lanka, Leeds, 2019
If five centuries in a World Cup wasn’t enough, Rohit brought up his sixth ton versus Sri Lanka at Leeds. He unfurled his sensational pulling, lofting and driving skills enroute a 97-ball 103. By becoming the first batsman to score five tons in a single World Cup, Rohit had announced his arrival as an all-time ODI great.
8) 131 vs Afghanistan, Delhi, 2023
And finally, Rohit Sharma entered the record books with his historic ton against Afghanistan in the 2023 World Cup. With deft late cuts, silken drives and muscular pulls, Rohit notched up his eighth World Cup century. He reached the landmark in just 61 balls and broke Sachin Tendulkar’s long-standing record of six World Cup hundreds.
The Qualities that Make Rohit a Prolific Centurion
What makes Rohit Sharma such a prolific run machine in World Cups? Here are some striking qualities:
- Ability to excel under pressure and deliver on the big stage
- Immense belief and confidence in his abilities
- Willingness to be patient and bide time before taking the attack to the bowlers
- Impeccable timing and innovative strokeplay to score all around the wicket
- Remarkable consistency and conversion of starts into big scores
Rohit Sharma’s phenomenal record of 8 centuries in just 21 World Cup innings speaks volumes of his dominance in the mega event. At just 35 years of age, Rohit is certain to take his tally into double digits and cement his legacy as the greatest ODI batsman of his era. Even Sachin Tendulkar with 6 World Cup tons from 45 innings pales in comparison to Rohit’s superhuman consistency.
With his artistic strokes and unwavering appetite for runs, Rohit Sharma continues to scale new peaks in ODI batting. Just like climbing Mount Everest takes immense skill and endurance, Rohit has conquered the summit of ODI World Cup hundreds through his sustained excellence.