As the sun set on the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, cricket fans worldwide held their breath. Was this the last time they’d witness Rohit Sharma, the ‘Hitman’, stride onto the field in an ODI? The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final between India and New Zealand wasn’t just a battle for the trophy; it was potentially the final chapter of a storied ODI career.
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The Final Flourish: Rohit’s 76 in the Champions Trophy
The air was thick with anticipation as Rohit Sharma walked out to open India’s innings. Chasing a target of 252 set by New Zealand, the pressure was immense. But pressure has always been Rohit’s playground.
From the first ball, it was clear that Rohit was in the zone. His footwork was decisive, his timing impeccable. The ‘Hitman’ reached his half-century in just 41 deliveries, a statement of intent if there ever was one.
“It was vintage Rohit,” remarked Sunil Gavaskar from the commentary box. “The way he’s timing the ball, it’s like he’s batting on a different pitch altogether.”
Rohit’s innings of 76 off 83 balls was a masterclass in controlled aggression. He hit 8 fours and 3 sixes, each shot a reminder of why he’s considered one of the greatest ODI batsmen of all time. But cricket, like life, is full of twists. In the 19th over, Rohit was stumped off the bowling of Rachin Ravindra, bringing an end to a magnificent innings.
As he walked back to the pavilion, the question on everyone’s lips was: Was this Rohit Sharma’s final ODI innings?
Rohit Sharma takes to the skies early on in the powerplay ✈️
— ICC (@ICC) March 9, 2025
Catch the Final Live in India on @StarSportsIndia.
Here are the global broadcast details: https://t.co/S0poKnxpTX#ChampionsTrophy #INDvNZ pic.twitter.com/5yiwmpr9dO
Rohit Sharma Stats: A Legacy of ODI Dominance
To truly appreciate the magnitude of Rohit’s potential final innings, we need to dive into the Rohit Sharma stats that have defined his career:
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Matches Played | 273 |
| Total Runs | 11,168 |
| Average | 48.77 |
| Strike Rate | 92.80 |
| Centuries | 32 |
| Half-centuries | 58 |
These numbers tell the story of a batsman who didn’t just play the game but redefined it. Rohit’s ability to convert starts into big scores is legendary, as evidenced by his 32 centuries.
But perhaps the most telling stat is his strike rate of 92.80. In an era where ODI cricket has become increasingly fast-paced, Rohit managed to score quickly without compromising on consistency. It’s this balance that has made him one of the most feared batsmen in world cricket.
Rohit Sharma Record List: Rewriting ODI History
The Rohit Sharma record list in ODIs is a testament to his impact on the format. Here are some of the records that stand out:
- Highest Individual Score: 264 runs against Sri Lanka in 2014
- Only player with three ODI double centuries
- Most sixes in ODI cricket
- Five centuries in a single World Cup (2019) – a tournament record
Each of these records speaks to a different aspect of Rohit’s batting genius. The 264 against Sri Lanka showcased his ability to play long, dominating innings. The three double centuries highlight his hunger for big scores. The sixes record is a nod to his effortless power, while the World Cup feat underlines his ability to perform on the biggest stage.
Rohit Sharma's aggressive intent in the powerplay has transformed India's fortunes in ODI cricket⚡ pic.twitter.com/PljH62PSrf
— CricTracker (@Cricketracker) March 9, 2025
The Evolution of a Hitman: Rohit’s ODI Journey
Rohit’s ODI career is a story of transformation. When he first burst onto the scene in 2007, he was a middle-order batsman with immense potential but inconsistent results. The turning point came in 2013 when then-captain MS Dhoni promoted him to open the innings.
“Opening the batting with Rohit was one of the best decisions we took,” Dhoni later said. “It changed his career and gave Indian cricket a different dimension.”
As an opener, Rohit found his true calling. He combined his natural timing with a newfound sense of responsibility, becoming the backbone of India’s batting lineup. His ability to pace an innings, starting cautiously before accelerating, became the template for modern ODI batting.
ODI Champions Trophy 2025: Rohit’s Last Dance?
The ODI Champions Trophy 2025 final might have been the perfect stage for Rohit’s ODI farewell. At 38, questions about his future in the format had been swirling for months. His recent form had been a mixed bag – 104 runs in 4 innings leading up to the final, with an average of 26 in recent ODIs.
But great players have a knack for rising to the occasion, and Rohit’s 76 in the final was a reminder of his class. It was an innings that encapsulated his career – a blend of caution and aggression, of responsibility and flair.
As he walked off the field after his dismissal, the standing ovation from the crowd felt like more than just appreciation for a good innings. It felt like a thank you, a goodbye to a player who had given them countless memories over the years.
To Retire or Not: Analyzing Rohit’s ODI Future
The question of Rohit’s ODI future isn’t just about numbers or form. It’s about the future of Indian cricket and Rohit’s own aspirations. With the next ODI World Cup not scheduled until 2027, when Rohit would be 40, the Champions Trophy could be seen as a natural endpoint.
Former India opener Aakash Chopra weighed in on the debate: “It’s a complex decision. Rohit’s recent form hasn’t been at his usual high standards, but his leadership and experience are invaluable. The selectors will have a tough call to make.”
The decision will likely involve multiple stakeholders – the selectors, the team management, and of course, Rohit himself. Whatever the outcome, one thing is certain: Rohit Sharma’s impact on ODI cricket will be felt for generations to come.
Expert Takes: What the Cricket World Says
The cricketing world has been abuzz with speculation about Rohit’s future. Here’s what some experts have to say:
Sunil Gavaskar: “Rohit still has a lot to offer. His experience and tactical acumen are crucial for this young Indian team.”
Ricky Ponting: “Players of Rohit’s caliber don’t come around often. If he feels he can contribute, he should continue.”
Nasser Hussain: “The question isn’t just about Rohit’s ability, which is undoubted. It’s about the future direction of Indian cricket and whether it’s time for a new generation to take over.”
These diverse opinions reflect the complexity of the decision facing Rohit and Indian cricket.
As the cricketing world awaits Rohit Sharma’s decision, one thing is clear: whether or not this was his final ODI innings, Rohit’s legacy as one of the greatest ODI batsmen is secure. His 76 in the Champions Trophy final was a fitting tribute to a career that has redefined ODI batting. Whatever the future holds, cricket fans around the world will always remember the ‘Hitman’ for the joy he brought to the game and the records he shattered along the way.
FAQs: Answering Fan Queries
Has Rohit Sharma officially announced his ODI retirement?
As of now, Rohit Sharma has not made any official announcement regarding his ODI retirement.
What is Rohit Sharma’s highest score in ODI cricket?
Rohit Sharma’s highest score in ODI cricket is 264, which he scored against Sri Lanka in 2014.
How many ODI centuries does Rohit Sharma have?
Rohit Sharma has scored 32 centuries in ODI cricket.
What is Rohit Sharma’s ODI batting average?
Rohit Sharma’s ODI batting average is 48.77.
How did Rohit Sharma perform in the 2025 Champions Trophy final?
Rohit Sharma scored 76 runs off 83 balls in the 2025 Champions Trophy final against New Zealand.
