In a significant moment for Indian cricket, star batsman Rohit Sharma completed a special century during the third One-Day International against New Zealand in Indore. This milestone marks his 100th ODI played on home soil, placing him in an elite group of Indian cricketers who have achieved this remarkable feat.
A Century of Home ODIs
Indian cricket's celebrated opener, Rohit Sharma, achieved a remarkable personal milestone during the decisive third ODI against New Zealand at the Holkar Stadium in Indore. Stepping onto the field for this crucial encounter, Sharma marked his 100th One-Day International match played on Indian soil, while this achievement isn't merely a numerical feat but a testament to his longevity, consistent performance, and pivotal role in the Indian limited-overs setup over the years. Playing a century of matches in front of home crowds is a unique distinction that speaks volumes about a player's enduring presence and impact within the national team, showcasing his ability to perform under familiar conditions and immense pressure.
Joining an Elite Club of Legends
With this special century, Rohit Sharma has officially entered an exclusive club of Indian cricketing legends. Prior to him, only five other Indian players had managed to play 100 or more ODIs at home. This illustrious list includes iconic names such as Sachin Tendulkar, Mohammad Azharuddin, Yuvraj Singh, MS Dhoni, and Virat Kohli. To be counted among such stalwarts underscores Sharma's significant contributions to Indian cricket and his ability to perform consistently in familiar conditions. This milestone firmly establishes his legacy as one of India's most impactful white-ball cricketers, standing shoulder to shoulder. With some of the game's all-time greats and cementing his place in the annals of Indian cricket history.
Context of the Indore ODI
The historic moment unfolded during the third and final match of the three-match ODI series between India and New Zealand, held at the Holkar Stadium in Indore. In this particular game, the Kiwi team, after losing the toss, was put in to bat first and managed to post a formidable total of 337 runs for the loss of 8 wickets in their allotted 50 overs. As the Indian team prepared to chase this challenging target, Rohit Sharma's entry onto the field for his innings marked the completion of his 100th home ODI, while the significance of this personal achievement was amplified by the high stakes of the match, which was crucial for the series outcome, adding another layer of importance to the occasion.
Rohit's Impressive Home Record
Rohit Sharma's record in the 100 One-Day Internationals he has played at home is nothing short of spectacular. In the 99 innings he has batted on Indian pitches, he has accumulated a grand total of 5074 runs at an outstanding average of 55. 75, while this remarkable consistency highlights his mastery of home conditions and his ability to dominate opposition bowlers. His tally includes an impressive 14 centuries and 24 half-centuries, showcasing his penchant for converting starts into substantial scores and leading the team from the front. This stellar performance at home has been a cornerstone of India's success in limited-overs cricket during his tenure, making him a formidable force on familiar grounds.
Most ODIs Played in India by Indian Players
Rohit Sharma's entry into the 100-home-ODI club expands the list of Indian players who have achieved this feat to six. Topping this prestigious list is the legendary Sachin Tendulkar, who played an incredible 164 ODIs on home soil, while following him is modern-day maestro Virat Kohli with 130 matches, and former captain MS Dhoni, who featured in 127 home ODIs. Mohammad Azharuddin played 113 matches, while the dynamic all-rounder Yuvraj Singh participated in 108 home ODIs, while rohit Sharma now stands as the sixth player on this esteemed list with 100 matches, a testament to his enduring career and significant impact on Indian cricket, demonstrating his longevity and consistent selection for national duties.
Recent Form in New Zealand Series
Despite achieving this monumental personal milestone, Rohit Sharma's batting form in the ongoing three-match ODI series against New Zealand has been notably subdued, while fans and critics alike had high expectations for his performance, especially after his impressive showing in the three-match ODI series against South Africa at the end of 2025 (as per source text). However, in the series against New Zealand, Sharma managed to score only 61 runs across three matches, averaging a modest 20. 33. This dip in form contrasted sharply with his usual high standards and the expectations set by his previous performances, indicating a temporary struggle to find his rhythm.
Looking Ahead: A Legacy Continues
The completion of 100 home ODIs is a significant chapter in Rohit Sharma's illustrious career, underscoring his longevity, resilience, and immense contribution to Indian cricket. While his recent form in the New Zealand series might have been a temporary blip, his overall record on home soil and his proven capabilities remain undeniable. Indian cricket enthusiasts and experts will undoubtedly continue to anticipate more stellar performances from him in the future, particularly as the team gears up for major tournaments where his experience and leadership will be crucial. This milestone serves as another shining star in his career, poised to inspire him further in the seasons to come and solidify his place as one of India's greatest white-ball cricketers.
