If scoring double tons in ODIs is an art then Rohit Sharma is the Picasso of it. The Indian cricket team opener, who first scored an ODI double hundred against Australia at the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru in 2013, has three double centuries to his name – the most by any player in ODI cricket. In fact, no other batsman has scored a double hundred more than once in ODIs.
Rohit’s wife Ritika Sajdeh had tears in her eyes when her husband completed his third ODI double-century against Sri Lanka in 2017. It was a destructive knock, and apparently, Sri Lankan bowlers must be weeping too.
When Rohit completed his double ton, Ritika stood up and clapped for him, but the camera was more focused on her tears.
While many speculated she cried because of such a big gift by her partner on their second wedding anniversary, but in a recent chat with Mayank Agarwal, Rohit revealed the actual reason behind Ritika’s emotions.
“At first, I had no idea she cried. When I came from the ground, I just asked her why did you (Ritika) cry? So she told me that she thought I (Rohit) twisted my hand when I dived for my 196th run and that was a little worrying factor for her, she got little emotional of because of that I guess,” Rohit told Mayank.
Rohit did add that the knock became even more special as it came on the day of their wedding anniversary, but it wasn’t the reason behind Ritika’s tears.
In the match, the 32-year-old scored 208 runs with the help of 13 fours and 12 sixes. It enabled India to post a mammoth total of 392/4 on the board. India then restricted Sri Lanka at 251/8 in their stipulated 50 overs and went on to win the game by 141 runs.
“To be honest I was going pretty slow, I never thought I will get to a double hundred, but once you cross 125, I feel it gets easier for you because bowlers are under pressure. Unless you make a mistake, I don’t think you can get out,” added Rohit.
Mayank and Rohit would have been in action for Kings XI Punjab and Mumbai Indians respectively, had the Indian Premier League (IPL) commenced from March 29. However, the tournament was suspended indefinitely due to the coronavirus pandemic.
