Evolution of Rohit Sharma as an ODI Cricketer

Rohit Sharma, an Indian cricketer renowned for his elegance and power-hitting, has had an illustrious career in One Day Internationals (ODIs). Since his debut in 2007, Rohit has evolved from a promising young talent into the captain of one of the most dominant batsmen in the format. His ability to score big innings and his knack for making significant contributions in high-pressure situations have made him a cornerstone of the Indian ODI team. One of Rohit Sharma’s most remarkable achievements is his ability to consistently average over 50 in ODIs across 11 calendar years (2011 to 2024), excluding 2012, 2021, and 2022.

Rohit Sharma’s journey in One Day Internationals (ODIs) can be divided into two distinct phases: pre-captaincy (2007-2022) and captaincy tenure (2023-2024). Each phase reflects his evolving role, his adaptation to the changing dynamics of the game, and his consistent ability to deliver under pressure.

Let’s look into the two different phases of Rohit Sharma’s ODI career:

Pre-Captaincy Era (2007-2022)

This phase covers the early years of Rohit Sharma’s career, his transition to becoming an opener, and his eventual establishment as one of the premier ODI batsmen in the world.

Middle-Order Phase: 2007-2012

Year	Mats	Inns	Runs	Avg	HS	SR	100s	50s	6s	4s
2007	4	3	61	20.33	52	82.43	0	1	1	3
2008	28	28	532	25.33	70*	72.57	0	3	3	43
2009	9	7	102	25.50	43*	65.80	0	0	1	5
2010	15	14	504	38.76	114	86.00	2	1	7	34
2011	16	16	611	55.54	95	82.67	0	6	9	40
2012	14	13	168	12.92	68	66.93	0	1	2	12

Rohit Sharma made his ODI debut in 2007, but his early years were marked by inconsistency. Batting predominantly in the middle order, he struggled to find rhythm and consistency, as reflected in his low averages during this period. For instance, in 2008, despite playing 28 matches, his average was just 25.33 with only three half-centuries.

The shift in Rohit’s career began around 2010 when he was given opportunities to bat higher up the order. His first century in 2010 (114 runs) hinted at his potential, but it wasn’t until 2013 that he truly found his calling as an opener. The year 2012 was particularly challenging, as he averaged just 12.92 over 13 innings, leading to questions about his place in the team.

Rohit Sharma as an Opener:

2013-2022

Year	Mats	Inns	Runs	Avg	HS	SR	100s	50s	6s	4s
2013	28	27	1196	52.00	209	80.81	2	8	30	119
2014	12	12	578	52.54	264	94.29	1	3	22	58
2015	17	17	815	50.93	150	95.43	3	4	23	75
2016	10	10	564	62.66	171*	95.27	2	2	19	46
2017	21	21	1293	71.83	208*	99.46	6	5	46	116
2018	19	19	1030	73.57	162	100.09	5	3	39	104
2019	28	27	1490	57.30	159	89.92	7	6	36	146
2020	3	3	171	57.00	119	91.44	1	0	6	16
2021	3	3	90	30.00	37	86.53	0	0	0	15
2022	8	8	249	41.50	76*	114.22	0	3	12	31

The turning point in Rohit’s career came in 2013 when he was promoted to open the innings regularly. This change unleashed his full potential. He scored 1196 runs at an average of 52.00, including a record-breaking double-century (209) against Australia. This was the start of his dominance in ODI cricket, where he became known for his ability to score big hundreds and even double centuries.

From 2014 onwards, Rohit Sharma became one of the most consistent performers in ODIs. In 2014, he made history by scoring the highest individual score in ODIs – 264 runs. His approach was characterized by cautious starts, accelerating after getting set, and making use of the powerplay and middle overs to build big innings. In 2015, he averaged 50.93 with three centuries, continuing to cement his place as a key figure in India’s batting lineup.

Rohit’s performance in the 2019 World Cup was extraordinary. He scored 1490 runs at an average of 57.30, with five centuries in the tournament—a record that still stands. His ability to deliver on the big stage, under pressure, highlighted his evolution into one of the best ODI batsmen of his generation.

The years 2021 and 2022 were slightly less prolific for Rohit, with his average dipping below 50. In 2021, he managed only 90 runs at an average of 30.00, and in 2022, although he had a better average of 41.50, it was below his usual standards. Despite these challenges, his leadership and experience were invaluable as India transitioned towards new leadership.

Rohit Sharma’s Full-Time Captaincy Era (2023-2024)

Taking over the captaincy of the Indian ODI team in February 2022 marked a new chapter in Rohit Sharma’s career. His leadership style and continued excellence with the bat define this period.

Season 2023-2024

Year	Mats	Inns	Runs	Avg	HS	SR	100s	50s	6s	4s
2023	27	26	1255	52.29	131	117.07	2	9	67	131
2024	3	3	157	52.33	64	141.44	0	2	8	18

In 2023, as captain, Rohit Sharma continued to deliver outstanding performances. He scored 1255 runs at an average of 52.29, with a strike rate of 117.07, which was significantly higher than his pre-captaincy phase. His leadership did not dilute his batting prowess; rather, it seemed to elevate his performance, as evidenced by his two centuries and nine half-centuries that year.

As captain, Rohit demonstrated a more aggressive approach when required, while also anchoring the innings when the situation demanded. His higher strike rate in 2023 indicates a shift towards a more attacking mindset, likely influenced by his responsibilities as captain. His innings were often the backbone of India’s batting, providing stability and momentum.

In 2024, Rohit Sharma continued his excellent form, even though Team India faltered against Sri Lanka in Sharma’s first bilateral ODI series. In three matches, he has scored 157 runs at an average of 52.33 with a strike rate of 141.44. These figures reflect his ongoing adaptability and ability to maintain a high level of performance even as his career progresses.