Top 5 knocks by Rohit Sharma in Test cricket

Rohit Sharma, an Indian cricketer renowned for his explosive batting in limited-overs formats, has also established himself as a formidable Test player. Known for his elegant stroke play and ability to play long innings, Sharma has been a crucial asset for India in Test cricket.

Throughout his career, Sharma has accumulated a total of 12 Test centuries, reflecting his consistency and skill. His ability to anchor innings, play crucial knocks, and perform under pressure has solidified his reputation as one of the premier batsmen in the format.

Let’s look at 5 of the best centuries scored by Rohit Sharma the Hitman:

1. 177 vs West Indies (2013)

From November 6 to 10, 2013, Rohit Sharma made a stunning debut at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, against the West Indies. India found themselves in a precarious position, having lost five wickets for a minimal score at lunch on the second day. Rohit Sharma, coming in at number six, played a crucial role in rescuing the team from trouble. Sharma scored a remarkable 177 runs, demonstrating exceptional skill and temperament. His innings were pivotal in lifting India to a commanding total of 453, providing the team with a solid foundation.

Sharma’s innings had a brilliant turnaround, stabilizing the innings after a challenging start. His 280 runs of partnership with Ravichandran Ashwin were instrumental in setting up a dominant position for India in the match. India won the match by an innings and 51 runs. Rohit Sharma’s debut innings earned him the Player of the Match award. Sharma’s 177 is the second-highest score by an Indian on Test debut. His performance was crucial in setting up a commanding victory for India.

2. 212 vs South Africa (2019)

From October 19 to 22, 2019, at JSCA International Cricket Stadium, Ranchi, Rohit Sharma scored his maiden double hundred in the 3rd Test against South Africa. India had already declared a formidable first-innings score of 497/9, setting the stage for Sharma’s monumental innings. Sharma scored 212 runs in the second innings, playing a pivotal role in securing an innings victory for India. His innings were crucial in ensuring that India maintained their dominant position.

https://cricchef.com/all-rohit-sharma-double-centuries-in-cricket/Sharma’s double hundred was a significant contribution to India’s victory, which came by an innings and 202 runs. He was named Player of the Match for his exceptional innings and was also awarded Player of the Series for his contributions throughout the series. Sharma’s 212 was his first double hundred in Test cricket.

3. 161 vs England (2021)

During England’s tour of India, from February 13 to 16, 2021, Rohit Sharma scored 161 runs in the 2nd Test at the M.A Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai. Sharma’s innings came at a crucial juncture and was instrumental in setting up a challenging total for India. Sharma’s 161 as the opener was a cornerstone of India’s innings, providing stability and contributing significantly to India’s performance in the series. His innings played a key role in India’s first innings as he scored almost half of India’s total.

Rohit Sharma’s second innings didn’t deliver but India nonetheless won the match by a massive 317 runs. Sharma’s performance as the opener was instrumental in shaping the series outcome. As India lost the first match, Sharma’s century provided the fire for India to bounce back and win the series 3-1.

4. 127 vs England (2021)

In the third Test of India’s 2021 tour of England, from September 2 to 6, 2021, Rohit Sharma scored 127 runs at Headingley, Leeds. This innings marked his first century in a Test match in a SENA (South Africa, England, New Zealand, Australia) country. Sharma’s 127 was a significant milestone, showcasing his ability to perform in challenging conditions. His innings were crucial in setting up a victory for India.

Sharma’s innings was the first century scored by him in SENA countries, highlighting his adaptability to different conditions. His performance was key in securing a victory for India. India won the match with Sharma’s innings playing a pivotal role in their success. His performance was also crucial in the Test series and he was the high scorer in the entire Test series from the Indian side.

5. 131 vs England (2024)

In the 3rd Test of the England tour of India, from February 15 to 18, 2024, Rohit Sharma scored 131 runs at Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Rajkot. India won the toss and elected to bat first on a pitch that showed early signs of assistance for both batters and bowlers. Sharma’s innings of 131 runs off 196 balls, with 14 fours and 1 six, was crucial in India’s first innings total of 445. He played with composure and skill, anchoring the innings after a challenging start at 33/3.

Rohit Sharma’s innings was a crucial rescue operation when India was reduced to 33-3, forming a pivotal partnership of 204 runs with Ravindra Jadeja, who also contributed a century. Rohit’s ability to adapt to the pitch conditions and accelerate as it wore out was noteworthy. India won the match by 434 runs, marking their largest-ever Test victory by runs. Sharma’s 131 was his second century in the series and his third Test hundred at home. The victory gave India a 2-1 lead in the series, he did not win the player of the match award but Sharma’s innings had a powerful impact on the result.