Kohli

Rohit Sharma Smashes His 50th International Century: The Stats Don’t Lie

Fahad Hamid

At 38 years old, most cricketers are thinking about retirement tours and commentary gigs. Not Rohit Sharma. The Indian opener just reminded everyone why he’s still one of the most dangerous batters in world cricket, smashing his 50th international century during the third ODI against Australia at the iconic Sydney Cricket Ground.

And honestly? It’s about time we gave this man his flowers.

Sharma Joins Elite Company With Historic Milestone

Let’s cut through the noise and get to what really matters. Sharma’s 33rd ODI century off 105 deliveries wasn’t just another notch on his belt—it catapulted him into the exclusive club of only 10 players in cricket history to reach 50 international hundreds. That’s not just impressive. That’s legendary.

The Mumbai native now has 33 ODI centuries (third-most after Sachin Tendulkar’s 49 and Virat Kohli‘s 51), 12 Test tons, and remains the joint-highest century-maker in T20I format. If you’re keeping score at home, that’s dominance across all three formats. Not many can say that.

Breaking Records Like It’s His Day Job

Here’s where it gets spicy. During this Sydney masterclass, Sharma didn’t just score runs—he rewrote the record books. Again.

Most Successful Indian Opener? Check.

Sharma surpassed Virender Sehwag‘s tally of 15,758 runs to become the highest run-scorer among all Indian openers across formats. And he did it in 11 fewer innings. Let that sink in.

Equaling Tendulkar’s Opening Record? Double Check.

With this century, Sharma equaled his childhood hero Sachin Tendulkar’s tally of 45 international centuries as an opener—the most for India. Only Australia’s David Warner (49) has more centuries opening the batting in international cricket.

Most ODI Hundreds Against Australia? Triple Check.

This was Sharma’s ninth ODI century against Australia in just 49 innings, matching Tendulkar’s record (though Tendulkar needed 70 innings to get there). Virat Kohli sits just behind with eight tons in 51 innings against the Aussies.

Age Is Just A Number For This Guy

At 38 years and 178 days, Sharma became the second-oldest Indian to score an ODI century, trailing only Tendulkar (38 years, 327 days). Some players slow down with age. Sharma? He’s out here making SENA countries (South Africa, England, New Zealand, Australia) look like practice grounds.

Speaking of which, this was his 14th century in SENA countries—the most among all visiting ODI batters. Ever. The man owns 93 sixes in these tough conditions, breaking Chris Gayle’s previous record. When Sharma brought up his 60th half-century with a trademark inside-out six over extra cover off Adam Zampa, he wasn’t just entertaining the Sydney crowd. He was cementing his legacy.

The RoKo Show Continues To Dominate

Cricket fans have been blessed to witness the Rohit-Kohli partnership over the years, and this match was no exception. The duo brought up their 19th-century partnership in ODI cricket—third-most in history behind only Tendulkar-Sourav Ganguly (26) and Tillakaratne Dilshan-Kumar Sangakkara (20).

But wait, there’s more. While Sharma was busy reminding everyone he’s still got it, Kohli was quietly making history of his own. The former Indian captain surpassed Kumar Sangakkara’s tally of 14,234 runs to become the second-highest run-getter in ODI history (in 87 fewer innings, mind you). Only Tendulkar stands ahead of him now.

More Than Just Batting: Sharma’s Fielding Milestone

As if the batting heroics weren’t enough, Sharma also completed his 100th catch in ODI cricket during this match. He joins an elite group of Indian fielders including Virat Kohli (164), Mohammad Azharuddin (156), Tendulkar (140), Rahul Dravid (124), and Suresh Raina (102).

The guy’s basically a walking cricket encyclopedia at this point.

What This Means For Indian Cricket

Look, we all knew Sharma was good. But this performance—coming after months of speculation about his form and future—proves that class is permanent. At 38, when most players are contemplating their next chapter, Sharma is out here writing new ones.

His ability to adapt his game across formats, his consistency in overseas conditions (especially in tough SENA countries), and his knack for rising to the occasion when it matters most—these aren’t just stats. They’re testament to a career built on skill, determination, and an almost annoying level of consistency.

The Numbers That Matter

Let’s recap the carnage from Sydney:

  • 50th international century (10th player ever to reach this mark)
  • 33rd ODI century (3rd-most all-time)
  • Most runs as an Indian opener across all formats (15,758+)
  • 9th ODI century vs Australia (joint-most with Tendulkar)
  • 14th century in SENA countries (most by a visiting batter)
  • 93 sixes in SENA (new record)
  • 100th ODI catch (6th Indian to reach this milestone)

The Bottom Line

Rohit Sharma’s 50th international century isn’t just another milestone—it’s a masterclass in longevity, consistency, and pure cricketing excellence. At an age when most athletes are hanging up their boots, Sharma is still breaking records and shutting down critics.

The Hitman showed up in Sydney and reminded everyone why they call him that. And if this performance is any indication, he’s not done yet. Not by a long shot.

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