Rohit: Getting a 200 in ODIs is a wonderful feeling
Batsman Rohit Sharma welcomed plenty of praise, after leading India to a 57-run win – and three-two series triumph – in Saturday's series decider against Australia at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore.
Batsman Rohit Sharma welcomed plenty of praise, after leading India to a 57-run win – and three-two series triumph – in Saturday's series decider against Australia at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore.
Sharma became the third player – after the veteran Sachin Tendulkar against South Africa in Gwalior in 2010 and opener Virender Sehwag against the West Indies in Indore in 2011 – to score a double century in ODI cricket.
Rohit's whirlwind 209 featured all of 12 fours and 16 sixes – and spanned a mere 158 deliveries. He was particularly brutal during a 112-run stand alongside fellow opener Shikhar Dhawan and a 167-run alliance with captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni.
"Getting a 200 in ODIs is a wonderful feeling. 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," enthused Sharma.
"I am in a good nick. Just wanted to carry on from the last game. Disappointed to not get a ton 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."
Defeated skipper George Bailey admitted the tourists were entirely outgunned by Rohit, and suggested the uncapped right-hander will replace the outgoing Tendulkar in the Test XI later this year.
"It was an extraordinary innings. He has had a wonderful series. He is obviously flourishing at the top of the order. He would certainly be one who is in the mix for that spot that will open up after Sachin departs in a couple of Tests," added Bailey.
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