Rohit Sharma etched his name in the annals of cricket history with a remarkable century on the opening day of the third Test match against England in Rajkot. The Indian cricket team skipper displayed sublime form, crafting a magnificent innings laced with 12 fours and 2 sixes. Despite early setbacks with the dismissals of Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Rajat Patidar, Rohit’s masterful batting anchored India’s innings, especially during his stellar partnership with Ravindra Jadeja.
Rohit’s century not only proved pivotal for the match’s context but also set a significant record. At 36 years and 291 days, he surpassed Vijay Hazare’s 72-year-old record to become the oldest Indian cricket team captain to score a Test century, eclipsing Hazare’s previous mark set at 36 years and 278 days against England in 1951. This accomplishment adds to Rohit’s illustrious career, where he already holds records in both ODIs and T20Is for India.
Opting to bat after winning the toss, India faced a formidable English side, led by Ben Stokes in his 100th Test appearance. The series, deadlocked at 1-1, promised intense competition.
In a bid to fortify their lineup, India handed debuts to middle-order batter Sarfaraz Khan and young wicketkeeper batter Dhruv Jurel, replacing KS Bharat in the playing eleven. Meanwhile, England bolstered their pace attack by bringing back Mark Wood in place of young spinner Shoaib Bashir.
Rohit Sharma’s historic century not only underscores his prowess as a batsman but also serves as a testament to his resilience and adaptability on the cricket field.