Rohit Sharma's ODI marathon: Numbers show why Hitman is the G.O.A.T. of 50-over format

Rohit Sharma’s ODI career has been a masterclass in patience, power, and precision. He is the Greatest of All Time (GOAT) in this format, indeed. Over the years, the ‘Hitman’ has played some of the longest and most memorable innings in the format, leaving bowlers helpless and fans in awe.

With his ability to convert starts into monumental scores, Rohit redefined the art of ODI batting, etching his name in cricketing folklore with innings that seemed to stretch endlessly. Sharma's ODI greatness was seen once again at the Champions Trophy 2025, which India won by 4 wickets, and the opener amassed 76 runs.

One of the most recent testaments to Rohit’s importance as an opener was the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, where his solid starts played a crucial role in India's campaign. His ability to weather the early storm and capitalize in the middle overs gave the team the momentum they needed in key matches.

With his experience and calculated aggression, he once again proved why he was India's most dependable opener in high-pressure tournaments.

ET looks at the Hitman’s greatness in 50-over format.

The Triple Double: 209, 264 & 208 – A feat like no other

Rohit Sharma remains the only player in cricket history to have scored three double centuries in ODIs, a record that speaks volumes of his ability to play long, dominating innings.

• 209 vs Australia (2013) – This knock at Bengaluru announced Rohit’s arrival as an ODI giant. His 158-ball marathon, featuring 16 sixes, helped India clinch the series against a strong Australian side.
  
• 264 vs Sri Lanka (2014) – The highest individual score in ODI history, this mind-boggling knock at Eden Gardens saw Rohit decimate Sri Lanka, facing 173 balls and smashing 33 fours and 9 sixes.
  
• 208 vs Sri Lanka (2017)* – Leading the team as captain, Rohit once again tormented Sri Lanka with an unbeaten 208 off 153 balls, showing his ability to pace an innings to perfection.
  

Five centuries in the 2019 World Cup – A historic streak

Rohit was at his absolute best in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019, where he became the first batsman in history to score five centuries in a single edition of the tournament. His 648 runs in nine matches, at an average of 81, made him the leading run-scorer of the event. These centuries came against South Africa, Pakistan, England, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka, proving his ability to deliver under pressure. His performances played a crucial role in India’s journey to the semi-finals.

A staggering ODI career in numbers

Rohit Sharma’s ODI career is a statistical marvel. In 272 matches, he scored 11,092 runs at an average of 48.64, with a strike rate of 92.81. His consistency is reflected in his 32 centuries and 57 half-centuries, while his aggressive batting style is evident from 1,038 fours and 341 sixes. His ability to play big knocks and anchor innings made him one of the greatest openers the game has ever seen.

A Legacy that will inspire generations

From rewriting record books to leading India with composure, Rohit Sharma’s ODI career has been a spectacle of brilliance. His impact and achievements will continue to inspire future generations of cricketers. Whether it is playing marathon innings, leading from the front, or setting new benchmarks, the ‘Hitman’ truly redefined ODI cricket and continues to do so.