Rohit: Having reinvented his batting template, the Indian
captain is expected to stick to his high scoring tempo
Mumbai: Between his debut in 2007 and January 2013,
Rohit Sharma played 86 ODIs and scored 1978 runs at an
average of 30.43. Ordinary numbers for a batter of his talent.
And many fans would ask for his axing on a regular basis.
Then, MS Dhoni decided that having Rohit bat lower down
the order (at No.6) was a waste. So just ahead of the 2013
“He (Dhoni) just came up to me and said “l want you to open
the innings as I am confident that you will do well. Since you
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IPL 2025 SCHEDUAL इंडियन प्रीमियर लीग (आईपीएल) 2025 का 18वां सीजन 22 मार्च 2025 से शुरू होगा
Introduction: The Full-Circle Moment
Twelve years after MS Dhoni’s career-defining decision to promote Rohit Sharma as an ODI opener ahead of the 2013 Champions Trophy, the Indian captain returns to the tournament where his legend began. Now 37, Rohit stands at a crossroads: a chance to rewrite his legacy, silence critics, and cement his place among cricket’s pantheon. As the 2025 Champions Trophy looms, we revisit his evolution, recent resurgence, and the stakes for a man synonymous with reinvention 112.
1. Rohit: The Birth of the Hitman: From Middle-Order Mediocrity to Opening Maestro
In January 2013, Rohit Sharma was a struggling middle-order batter with an average of 30.43 across 86 ODIs. Critics questioned his place in the squad, but Dhoni’s gamble to unleash him as an opener transformed Indian cricket. Rohit’s response? 9,010 runs at 56.66 with 30 centuries in 182 matches since—a staggering turnaround 1.
Key Quote:
“Dhoni told me, ‘You have the qualities to succeed as an opener. Don’t fear failure.’ That switch changed my career.” 1
This tactical masterstroke not only revived Rohit’s career but redefined India’s white-ball blueprint. His three ODI double centuries and 2019 World Cup dominance (648 runs) solidified his reputation as a modern great 312.
2. The 2025 Comeback: From Agony to Triumph in Cuttack
Rohit entered 2025 under scrutiny. A dismal Test season (164 runs in 15 innings) and a string of single-digit ODI scores (11 sub-10 dismissals in 16 innings) fueled doubts about his longevity 48. Then came Cuttack.
The Century That Silenced Critics:
In the second ODI against England, Rohit smashed 119 off 90 balls (12 fours, 7 sixes), his fastest ODI ton since 2023. Partnering Shubman Gill (136-run opening stand), he showcased trademark elegance: flicked boundaries, aerial pulls, and effortless timing 410.
Why It Matters:
- Ended a 13-innings century drought.
- Proved adaptability: shifted from Test conservatism to ODI aggression.
- Timed perfectly before the Champions Trophy, reigniting India’s hopes 811.
3. Champions Trophy 2025: Three Records Within Reach
Rohit’s CT campaign isn’t just about team glory—it’s a personal milestone hunt:
- 11,000 ODI Runs: Needs 134 more to join Tendulkar, Kohli, and Ganguly in an elite club 3.
- 50 International Centuries: Two tons away from immortality (currently at 48) 3.
- 1,900 International Fours: 32 boundaries shy of the mark 3.
Past CT Performances:
- 2013: 177 runs at 35.4.
- 2017: 304 runs at 76.0, including a match-winning 123* vs. Bangladesh 12.
With India’s group matches in Dubai (vs. Bangladesh, Pakistan, New Zealand), Rohit’s aggressive Powerplay approach (135 SR in 2023 WC) could be pivotal 16.
4. Leadership Under Fire: Captaincy, Criticism, and Legacy
Rohit’s captaincy has faced turbulence: a 3-0 Test loss to New Zealand, public scrutiny over form, and debates about his ODI future. Yet, the BCCI’s unwavering trust (retaining him as skipper for CT 2025) underscores his strategic value 57.
Supporting Voices:
- Ravindra Jadeja: “He knows how to build innings. One knock changed everything.” 4
- Chris Gayle: “A world-class player. He’ll shine in the Champions Trophy.” 11
- Mohammed Azharuddin: “His return to form augurs well for India.” 6
Rohit’s calm demeanor masks a fierce resolve. As he told critics: “My focus is on these games. We’ll see what happens afterwards.” 4
5. The Final Act: Can Rohit Script a Fairytale Ending?
The 2025 Champions Trophy may be Rohit’s ODI swansong. With retirement whispers growing, he aims to replicate Dhoni’s 2013 triumph while chasing personal milestones. Challenges remain:
- Short Tournament, High Risk: Three league games demand instant momentum.
- Balancing Aggression: His 2023 World Cup approach (401 Powerplay runs at 135 SR) risks early dismissals 1.
- Legacy Pressure: A chance to join Kapil Dev and Dhoni as World Cup-winning captains.
Final Word:
Rohit Sharma thrives on reinvention. From Mumbai’s streets to CT’s grand stage, his journey mirrors resilience. As Dubai beckons, fans echo his promise: “Layenge, layenge (We’ll bring it).” 1
References
- Historical stats, quotes, and tournament details sourced from Hindustan Times, ESPNcricinfo, Times of India, and ABP Live
