Rohit Sharma, one of India’s most stylish and destructive batsmen, has carved a niche for himself in all formats of the game. Known for his elegant strokes, massive sixes, and exceptional consistency, Sharma has been a key player in India’s cricketing lineup for over a decade. While he is often celebrated for his record-breaking ODI performances, his achievements in Test cricket are no less impressive.
Though Rohit initially struggled to make a mark in Test cricket, his career took a dramatic turn in recent years. The transformation of Rohit Sharma into one of the best openers in the format has been one of the most talked-about stories in cricket. His ability to play long innings, combined with his natural flair, has made him a crucial player for India, particularly in the longer format.
Here’s a look at Rohit Sharma’s Test centuries, marking the highlights of his career in this prestigious format.
1. 177 vs West Indies (2018) – Hyderabad
Rohit Sharma’s Test career truly took off when he scored his maiden Test century as an opener in 2018 against the West Indies in Hyderabad. After being promoted to the top of the order, Sharma showed that he was equally comfortable against the red ball as he was against the white ball.
Key Highlights:
- Runs: 177
- Balls Faced: 255
- Fours/Sixes: 23/2
- Match Context: Rohit’s innings helped India reach a strong total in the first innings and laid the foundation for India to win the match.
This century was special not only because it marked his first century in Test cricket as an opener but also because it showed his adaptability in the longest format of the game, where patience and application are key.
2. 127 vs Australia (2019) – Melbourne
One of the most significant centuries of his career came in December 2018 during India’s historic Test series against Australia. Rohit Sharma scored 127 runs at the MCG in a critical Test match, further cementing his place as a reliable opener in Test cricket. His composed and calculated innings were crucial in India’s pursuit of a strong score.
Key Highlights:
- Runs: 127
- Balls Faced: 231
- Fours/Sixes: 11/3
- Match Context: This century helped India establish dominance in a Test series in Australia, a historic feat for Indian cricket.
Rohit’s brilliant knock was part of India’s breakthrough series win on Australian soil, making it one of the most memorable innings of his career.
3. 212 vs South Africa (2019) – Pune
In 2019, during the home series against South Africa, Rohit Sharma achieved a monumental feat by scoring his first double century in Test cricket. He made a brilliant 212 in Pune, showcasing his prowess in Indian conditions.
Key Highlights:
- Runs: 212
- Balls Faced: 255
- Fours/Sixes: 28/4
- Match Context: This was the first double century by an Indian opener in Test cricket. Rohit’s innings played a pivotal role in India dominating the Test match.
This was a career-defining knock for Rohit, as he became the first Indian opener to score a double century in Test cricket. His aggressive yet controlled batting earned him widespread admiration.
4. 115 vs Sri Lanka (2021) – Kanpur
In 2021, during the series against Sri Lanka at home, Rohit Sharma’s excellent form continued with a solid knock of 115 runs in the first innings of the Kanpur Test. This century added to his growing reputation as a consistent Test opener.
Key Highlights:
- Runs: 115
- Balls Faced: 191
- Fours/Sixes: 11/3
- Match Context: Rohit’s century was instrumental in putting India in a commanding position, ensuring that India could post a competitive total.
This knock further solidified his place in the Test side and showed that he was capable of handling pressure in the longer format.
5. 161 vs Australia (2021) – Sydney
Rohit Sharma’s innings of 161 against Australia at the SCG in January 2021 was an epic display of resilience and skill. In one of the most intense Test series in recent history, Rohit’s knock was pivotal in India’s survival and eventual triumph in the series.
Key Highlights:
- Runs: 161
- Balls Faced: 240
- Fours/Sixes: 24/2
- Match Context: This century came at a crucial moment in the series, with India needing to fight back after a tough start to the series.
Rohit’s 161 at the SCG was a monumental effort in a Test match that ended in a draw but was a critical part of India’s historic series win in Australia.
Summary of Rohit Sharma’s Test Centuries:
| Opponent | Venue | Year | Runs | Balls | Fours/Sixes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| West Indies | Hyderabad | 2018 | 177 | 255 | 23/2 |
| Australia | Melbourne | 2018 | 127 | 231 | 11/3 |
| South Africa | Pune | 2019 | 212 | 255 | 28/4 |
| Sri Lanka | Kanpur | 2021 | 115 | 191 | 11/3 |
| Australia | Sydney | 2021 | 161 | 240 | 24/2 |
Conclusion: The Rise of Rohit Sharma in Test Cricket
Rohit Sharma’s journey in Test cricket is a testament to his adaptability and talent. From initially struggling to find a place in the longest format of the game, he has risen to become one of India’s most reliable openers in recent years. His ability to convert starts into big scores and his knack for playing match-winning knocks in tough conditions has made him one of the most feared batsmen in Test cricket.
With a combination of elegance and aggression, Rohit Sharma has become a pivotal part of India’s batting lineup. His 212 against South Africa, 177 against the West Indies, and 161 against Australia are just a few examples of his ability to deliver when it matters most. As his career continues to evolve, Rohit Sharma will likely add more centuries to his tally, further solidifying his legacy as one of the best openers in modern-day Test cricket.
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