India captain Rohit Sharma lit up the Barabati Stadium in Cuttack with a scintillating century in the second ODI against England on Sunday, February 9, marking a remarkable return to form ahead of the Champions Trophy 2025. Rohit’s knock of 119 off 90 balls was his first ODI hundred since October 11, 2023, and served as a perfect response to his critics after a prolonged lean patch in international cricket.
Reaching his century in just 76 balls, Rohit showcased his vintage brilliance, smashing 12 fours and seven sixes in a commanding display of power and finesse. His innings was a much-needed boost for Indian fans who had stood by him through a challenging Test season. The innings also marked his first fifty-plus score in 12 international innings, reaffirming his status as one of the most dangerous batters in the world.
Rohit brought up his half-century in just 30 balls, displaying controlled aggression before shifting gears effortlessly. He reached 80 off 56 deliveries and took another 20 balls to reach the three-figure mark. The milestone moment came in style as he stepped down the track to Adil Rashid and launched him over long-off for a stunning six, sending the packed stadium into a frenzy.
This was Rohit’s second-fastest ODI century, only behind his 63-ball ton against Afghanistan in 2023. He began cautiously, scoring just one run off his first six deliveries before taking on Gus Atkinson in the second over. A boundary toward point was quickly followed by a flicked six, setting the tone for an innings of dominance. His confidence grew as he executed a sublime lofted cover drive against Saqib Mahmood for his second six in the third over, before punishing the bowler again with another maximum.
A brief floodlight malfunction in the sixth over caused a short delay, but Rohit remained unfazed. Once play resumed, he continued his onslaught, collecting another boundary off Mahmood. He also survived a close lbw appeal against Mark Wood in the eighth over, with DRS confirming the on-field umpire's call of not out. Rohit then sent Wood’s very next delivery soaring over long-on for another six, making his aggressive intent clear.
As he approached his fifty, Rohit delighted the crowd with consecutive boundaries off Rashid. He acknowledged the roaring support as he raised his bat, signaling his resurgence. His innings was a masterclass in controlled aggression, combining elegance with brute force to keep England’s bowlers under relentless pressure.
Eventually, Rohit’s explosive innings came to an end at 119 when he attempted to go big against Liam Livingstone. He received a standing ovation from the Cuttack crowd as he walked back, having played an innings that not only silenced his doubters but also set the perfect tone for India’s ODI preparations ahead of the Champions Trophy.
