Top 5 knocks of Rohit Sharma in 2021

Rohit Sharma had an outstanding year. He was consistent with the bat and established himself as the premier opener for the team in the toughest format of the game. Adding on, his composure in a difficult situation was a thing of beauty.

Because of his success in the Indian Premier League and ability to bring the best out of every player in the side, he has been promoted into the role of captaincy. Former limited-overs captain Virat Kohli has also stated that Rohit has his full support. Fans will be hoping that Rohit becomes the third Indian captain to lift the ODI World Cup.

Along with KL Rahul, Rohit gave the perfect platform for the middle order throughout the tour. With another exciting year coming ahead, all eyes will be on the vice-captain with the bat. 

In the article, let’s take a look at the top 5 knocks played by Rohit Sharma in 2021:

1. 74 from 47 balls, India vs Afghanistan, T20 World Cup, 2021

After a poor start during the T20 World Cup, Team India was almost eliminated. To survive, they had to win by huge margins. It was the time for the big names to perform on the big stage.

During the game against Afghanistan, Team India was batting first and Rohit, along with KL Rahul, took the bowlers into the cleaners. Rohit smashed 74 runs in 47 balls with eight fours and three sixes. Adding on, a strike rate of 157.45 shows his ability to destroy strong bowling attacks.

Afghanistan went on to lose the match by 68 runs. In their 20 overs, they made 144 runs, and India managed to win by a huge margin. Rohit was adjudged as the Player of the Match.

2. 64 from 34 balls, India vs England, England tour of India, 2021

During the fifth T20I, India was looking to dominate the English bowling. As India went on to bat first, the duo of Kohli and Rohit fired on all cylinders. They dominated every bowler in the English lineup.

Rohit smashed 64 runs from 34 balls and his innings constituted four fours and five sixes. With a strike rate of 188.24, he was providing the best support to Virat Kohli, who smashed 80 from 52 balls. Because of their partnership, India went on to put 224 runs in 20 overs.

In reply to India’s mammoth score, England managed to put 188 runs on the board. In a year where Rohit scored a plethora of runs, this is one of his finest innings. This is mainly because of the bowling attack he faced.

3. 83 from 145 balls, India vs England, India tour of England, 2021

After India had beaten England in a home series, everyone was expecting that the Englishmen would bounce back. As Team India went on to play their scheduled Test series in England, all eyes were on the batters. This is mainly because, over the years, batters have struggled to put on a decent partnership in overseas conditions.

However, Rohit and Rahul defied all odds. After England managed to draw the first game, India batted first against England at the Lord’s. As Rahul scored a brilliant 129 runs from 250 balls, Rohit was outstanding as well.

In difficult conditions, he managed to score 83 runs from 145 balls. With 11 fours and a six, Rohit was looking to score his first overseas century. However, he was bowled by the great James Anderson.

4. 161 runs from 231 balls, India vs England, England tour of India, 2021

After a huge defeat in the first game of the series, Virat Kohli expressed his dissatisfaction over the Chennai pitch. But, in the very next game, the pitch became unplayable. Batsmen from both sides were struggling to play comfortably.

As people went on to criticise the pitch, Rohit Sharma went on to score a huge century. With 161 runs to his name, he was technically the best batter in that innings as he managed to smash 18 fours and two sixes.

Adding on, he was involved in two brilliant partnerships with Rishabh Pant and Ajinkya Rahane. As the English lineup fell into the traps of Ravi Ashwin, India went on to win the match by a margin of 317 runs. This match was all about Rohit’s and Ashwin’s talent. 

5. 127 runs from 256 balls, India vs England, India tour of England, 2021 

The best knock from Rohit’s willow came against England in the most difficult circumstances. As Shardul Thakur enabled India to make a comeback with his batting, the bowlers did a tremendous job by restricting the English batting order to 290. Now, all onus was on Rohit and Rahul to put on a show.

Thankfully, they scripted a solid partnership of 83 runs. Although Rahul fell for 46 runs, Rohit went on to score a magnificent century. With 127 runs in 256 balls, he was the backbone of the team in that game.

Adding on, he was involved in match-defining partnerships with Pujara and Kohli as well. As India went on to put 466 runs on the board, the bowlers did a good job by dismissing England for 210 runs. Without any doubt, this was one of the finest knocks by an Indian opener in England.