'It has its own challenge' - Rohit Sharma backs 50-over cricket to survive in the era of T20s

Rohit Sharma explained why ODI cricket still holds a special place in the beautiful sport amid the concerns being raised regarding the 50-over format's sustainability. The legendary batter recently led India to the Champions Trophy title in the UAE.

The 50-over format has been sandwiched between Tests, which will always be a hit among the purists, and the modern T20 format which strikes a chord with the younger generation, especially because all the action is provided to them in around three hours.

Rohit acknowledged that people are finding it difficult to connect with 50-over cricket after witnessing the slam-bang T20 format. However, he noted that his generation grew up watching ODIs and mentioned that the recent Champions Trophy produced some high-intensity matches.

"I know there has been lot of talk about one-day cricket beiung questioned. Whether its a sustainable format or not. Look, we have all grown up watching 50-over world cup. ICC Champions Trophy, when we played those games. Those were high-intensity games. I know it is very longer, because people are watching T20 cricket. But, 50-over cricket has its own challenge," Rohit said while speaking to Michael Clarke on the Beyond23 Cricket Podcast.

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Rohit is a bonafide stalwart in ODI cricket. He has impressive numbers in other formats as well but his contributions to the Men in Blue in 50-over cricket is surreal. In 273 ODIs, the 37-year-old has amassed 11,168 runs at a staggering average of 48.77 and a remarkable strike rate of 92.81. He has registered 58 half-centuries and 32 centuries in the format.

Rohit is also the only cricketer to slam three double centuries in ODIs. He also holds the record for the highest individual score in the format. The right-handed batter achieved this feat when he scored a 173-ball 264 against Sri Lanka at the iconic Eden Gardens.