Remembering Rohit Sharma’s Explosive 35-Ball Century in T20Is on This Day in 2017
Former Indian cricket captain Rohit Sharma has solidified his legacy in limited-overs cricket, boasting unparalleled records in both One Day Internationals (ODIs) and T20 Internationals (T20Is). Renowned for his ability to score big, Rohit remains the only player to have hit three double centuries in ODIs and shares the record for the most centuries in T20Is. His remarkable career in the shortest format culminated in 2024 when he led India to a T20 World Cup victory before retiring, having amassed 205 sixes in 151 innings. Rohit’s explosive batting style has left an indelible mark on the game, highlighted by his record-setting performances.
Rohit Sharma’s Record-Breaking T20I Century
On December 22, 2017, Rohit Sharma showcased his extraordinary talent by scoring a record-equalling T20I century against Sri Lanka in Indore. This match marked a significant milestone in his career, as he reached his hundred in just 35 balls, tying the record set by South Africa’s David Miller just weeks earlier. Rohit’s innings began with a solid partnership alongside KL Rahul, as they propelled India to a commanding start. After a cautious beginning, Rohit quickly shifted gears, demonstrating his power-hitting prowess by smashing five sixes and four fours in a mere 12 balls. His explosive century not only set a new benchmark for T20I batting but also underscored his dominance in the format.
Rohit’s innings concluded with an impressive 118 runs off just 43 balls, featuring a staggering strike rate of 274.4. His performance was pivotal in India posting a formidable total of 260 runs for five wickets in their allotted 20 overs. This match not only highlighted Rohit’s individual brilliance but also showcased the strength of the Indian batting lineup, with Rahul contributing a valuable 89 runs. The duo’s partnership was instrumental in setting a challenging target for the Sri Lankan team.
India’s Dominance Over Sri Lanka
In the same match, Sri Lanka faced a daunting challenge while chasing the mammoth target set by India. The visitors lost an early wicket but managed to establish a brief partnership between Upul Tharanga and Kusal Perera, who added 109 runs for the second wicket. However, the Indian bowlers, particularly the spin duo of Yuzvendra Chahal and Kuldeep Yadav, turned the tide in India’s favor. Chahal initiated the collapse by dismissing Tharanga, and Kuldeep followed suit with a flurry of wickets, including that of Perera and captain Thisara Perera.
The Sri Lankan innings quickly unraveled, going from a promising 145 for one to 161 for five in a matter of overs. The Indian bowlers capitalized on the pressure, with Chahal finishing with impressive figures of four wickets for 52 runs, while Kuldeep claimed three wickets for the same number of runs. Ultimately, Sri Lanka was bowled out for 172 runs in just 17.2 overs, marking a comprehensive victory for India. This match not only highlighted Rohit’s batting heroics but also underscored the effectiveness of India’s bowling attack.
Rohit Sharma’s Legacy in T20I Cricket
Rohit Sharma’s T20I career is marked by numerous records and remarkable performances. He concluded his T20I journey with a total of 4,231 runs from 159 matches, maintaining an average of 32.05 and a strike rate of 140.89. His career included four centuries, with his highest score being 121 not out against Afghanistan in January 2024. Rohit’s ability to dominate bowlers and score quickly has made him a standout player in the format.
Alongside Rohit, Virat Kohli also retired from T20Is after the 2024 World Cup, finishing with 4,188 runs from 125 matches. Kohli’s average of 48.69 and strike rate of 137.04, which included one century and 38 fifties, further emphasizes the caliber of players that India has produced in recent years. Although Rohit held the record for the most runs in T20Is until 2025, when Pakistan’s Babar Azam surpassed him, his contributions to the format remain significant. Rohit Sharma’s legacy in T20 cricket is defined by his explosive batting, record-breaking performances, and leadership, making him one of the game’s greats.
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