‘Probably the best I have played’ – Rohit Sharma

The previous time Virat Kohli was run out for a duck, Rohit Sharma went on to get his maiden ODI century. More than three years later, Rohit ran Virat Kohli out for a duck, and went on to get a sensational maiden double-century, becoming only the third batsman to score a double-century in ODIs. All three are Indians.

After the innings, Rohit could laugh the run-out off. “It happens,” he said. “It’s a part and parcel of the game. No hard feelings there. I am sure he is going to get a hundred in the next game.”

Rohit said this was “probably” the best he has ever played. “Getting a 200 in ODIs is a wonderful feeling,” he said. “When I went out to bat, I never thought I’d get a 200. The idea was to stay on the wicket. We know it is a small ground, runs are easy to come by once you are in. I just wanted to stay in and capitalise later.”

Along the way, Rohit broke Shane Watson’s record for the most sixes in an innings, hitting 16 of them, going from 100 to 200 in 42 balls. “Yeah, it’s coming off really well,” Rohit said. “I am in a good nick. Just wanted to carry on from the last game. Disappointed to not get a hundred in the last game, but I wanted to make sure that once I got my eye in I play big. As you play, records will happen. I just want my team to win. It will be a wonderful feeling then.”

Moving up to open the ODI innings for India has been a turning point for Rohit, and he has been insisting all this is just the beginning. He repeated the sentiment here. “Again, it’s really coming off well since Champions Trophy,” he said. “I want to keep the momentum going and carry on the good work.”