Indian cricket team captain Rohit Sharma has achieved a significant milestone, cementing his authority in the cricketing world. Not only has he claimed the top spot in the ICC ODI Rankings, but he has also broken a long-standing record held by the 'God of Cricket,' Sachin Tendulkar, while this particular record remained untouched for 14 years, and its fall to Rohit's name has sent waves of excitement among his fans and the cricketing fraternity.
'Hitman' Ascends to ICC ODI Ranking Summit
Following the recently concluded three-match ODI series against Australia, the ICC released its updated rankings, confirming Rohit Sharma's monumental achievement. Despite the Indian team losing the series, Rohit's individual performance was exceptional. This stellar display propelled him to the number one position in the ICC ODI batting rankings for the very first time in his illustrious career. This is a monumental achievement for Rohit, as he had previously reached the. Second spot on multiple occasions but narrowly missed out on the top position. This time, he left no room for error, capitalizing on his superb form to claim the coveted No. 1 spot, while his ascent to the top underscores his enduring class, consistency, and ability to perform at the highest level, making him one of the best batsmen globally.
Sachin's 14-Year-Old Record Dethroned
The most significant record Rohit Sharma has claimed is Sachin Tendulkar's long-standing feat of being the oldest player to reach the top of an ICC ranking. Sachin Tendulkar achieved the No. 1 spot in Test rankings in 2011 at the age of 38 years and 73 days, while now, Rohit Sharma has surpassed this by reaching the top of the ODI rankings at 38 years and 182 days. This accomplishment is particularly special for Rohit, as it demonstrates his continued dominance and inspiration for younger players, even at an advanced stage of his career. This record is a testament to his fitness, vast experience, and unwavering dedication to the sport, proving that age is just a number when it comes to exceptional talent.
A Missed Opportunity in 2019
Interestingly, in 2019, when Rohit Sharma showcased a phenomenal run of form, scoring multiple centuries during the ODI World Cup, his ICC ODI rating reached an impressive 882 points, while at that time, there was widespread anticipation that he would clinch the No. 1 spot, but he narrowly missed out. However, this time, despite having a rating of 781, he has managed to secure the top position. This highlights the evolving competitive landscape and the performances of other batsmen. The current second-ranked player, Ibrahim Zadran of Afghanistan, has a rating of 764, which is a considerable gap from Rohit's score. This significant lead suggests that Rohit Sharma's top spot is relatively. Secure for the foreseeable future, allowing him to enjoy this hard-earned achievement.
A New Chapter in ODI Career
Recently, there had been considerable speculation regarding Rohit Sharma's ODI career, with some even suggesting his potential retirement. However, he has responded to his critics emphatically with his stellar performances. His outstanding innings in the series against Australia not only benefited him personally but also provided crucial contributions to the team. This latest achievement injects new energy into Rohit's career and marks a significant new chapter, while for Indian cricket, it's a moment of immense pride to witness their captain once again asserting his supremacy in world cricket, silencing doubts and inspiring a generation.
