Rohit Sharma scored 64 runs in the second ODI against Sri Lanka at R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo. Despite his strong performance, India lost by 32 runs. With his 64-run innings, Rohit became India’s fourth-leading run-scorer in ODIs, surpassing Rahul Dravid’s record. Rohit also passed MS Dhoni’s run tally, becoming the 11th leading run-scorer in ODIs.
Sachin Tendulkar holds the record for most ODI runs for India, followed by Virat Kohli and Sourav Ganguly. In the match, India couldn’t chase Sri Lanka’s 240-run target, scoring only 208 runs in 42.2 overs. Jeffrey Vandersay took six wickets for 33 runs, leading Sri Lanka to victory. Rohit and Shubman Gill added 97 runs for the first wicket but the team couldn’t build on it.
India, the top-ranked ODI team, will aim to win the final ODI on August 7 to avoid losing the series. This series is Gautam Gambhir’s first tour as head coach of the Indian cricket team.
Rohit Sharma also became the Oldest captain to lead team India in ODI
Indian captain Rohit Sharma became the oldest Indian to lead in ODIs, surpassing MS Dhoni’s record. In the series against Sri Lanka, Rohit was aged 37 years, 94, and 96 days during the first two ODIs. Dhoni’s record was 37 years and 80 days. Despite Rohit’s half-centuries, India did not win, with the first ODI ending in a tie and losing the second.
Rohit’s press conference from the Sri Lanka tour:
Dhoni last captained India in 2018 against Afghanistan during the Asia Cup. He had retired from ODI captaincy in January 2017 but led once more to complete 200 matches as captain. Before Dhoni, Mohammed Azharuddin held the record, and before him, Sunil Gavaskar was the oldest ODI captain.
Rohit could extend this record if he continues playing. There are suggestions he might play in the 2027 Cricket World Cup in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia, potentially becoming the first Indian to lead the team in an ODI after turning 40.