• Rohit Sharma smashed a masterclass hundred for India in the 2nd ODI against England.

  • It was Rohit's 32nd hundred in the One Day Internationals.

IND vs ENG: Fans erupt as Rohit Sharma lights up Barabati Stadium with a dazzling 32nd century against England in the second ODI
Rohit Sharma (Image Source: X)

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In a breathtaking display of stroke-making, Rohit Sharma produced a magnificent century – his 32nd in ODIs – to put India in a dominant position in the second ODI against England at the Barabati Stadium in Cuttack. Chasing a challenging target of 305, the Indian captain was at his absolute best, combining elegance with brutal efficiency to dismantle England’s bowling attack.

A 32nd century in style – Rohit Sharma’s explosive milestone

With India already cruising towards victory, Rohit decided to bring up his century in the most emphatic fashion possible. Facing Adil Rashid in the 26th over, he confidently stepped down the track and, with a smooth extension of his arms, lofted the ball high over the long-off boundary. The white Kookaburra soared through the night sky before disappearing into the stands—a signature Rohit shot, blending grace with sheer power. As the ball cleared the ropes, the Barabati Stadium erupted in a deafening roar, acknowledging yet another masterclass from their captain. It was a moment of pure authority, reflecting Rohit’s unmatched ability to dominate spinners, even on surfaces offering a hint of grip.

This milestone wasn’t just about the runs; it was about the statement it made. Rohit had reached the landmark in just 76 balls, showcasing an ideal mix of patience and aggression. His approach was fearless yet controlled, embodying the essence of a modern-day run-chase maestro. The Indian dressing room stood in admiration as their captain raised his bat, soaking in the applause from the electrified crowd.

Also READ: IND vs ENG, 2nd ODI: Here’s why Kuldeep Yadav and Yashasvi Jaiswal are not playing today’s match

Rohit’s century sets the tone for India’s chase

Right from the outset, Rohit stamped his authority on the game, setting the perfect tempo for India’s pursuit of 305. His intent was evident from the very first over, as he drove the fast bowlers crisply through the covers and flicked them effortlessly off his pads. The powerplay phase saw Rohit and his opening partner, Shubman Gill, making full use of the fielding restrictions, capitalizing on anything remotely loose. Rohit raced to his half-century in just 30 balls, dismantling England’s pacers with impeccable timing and placement. The short-pitched deliveries were dispatched with disdain, while the fuller ones were elegantly driven through gaps in the infield.

The partnership with Gill flourished, taking India past 100 runs in just 13.3 overs, ensuring that England never got the early breakthroughs they desperately needed. Even after Gill’s dismissal to Jamie Overton, Rohit ensured that the momentum never dipped, anchoring the innings with supreme confidence. He played Rashid’s leg-spin with precision, either cutting late or stepping out to loft the ball over the infield. His footwork against spin was impeccable, forcing Rashid to rethink his lengths constantly.

Here’s how fans reacted:

England’s bowling struggles against India’s aggression

England’s bowling unit had no answers to India’s relentless aggression, as their pacers struggled to make early inroads. Saqib Mahmood, Gus Atkinson and Mark Wood attempted to generate pace and extract movement, but Rohit and Gill countered them with ease. The fast bowlers often erred in length, and Rohit took full advantage, punishing anything too short or too full. Despite deploying attacking fields, England failed to apply consistent pressure, allowing India’s batters to dictate terms from the very beginning.

Overton managed to break the opening stand by dismissing Gill, while Rashid provided a brief respite by removing Virat Kohli, but these breakthroughs weren’t enough to tilt the game in England’s favor. Rohit remained unshaken, continuing to target Rashid with his footwork and deft placement. Livingstone, brought in as a second spin option, was treated with equal disdain, as Rohit and Shreyas Iyer milked him for runs with ease. England’s field placements became increasingly defensive, highlighting their struggles to contain India’s batting juggernaut.

By the time the scoreboard read 186/2 in just 25.2 overs, India had firmly cemented their grip on the match. With only 119 runs required from 24.4 overs at a manageable required rate of 4.82, the hosts had virtually sealed the contest.

With plenty of batting depth still in the pavilion, including KL Rahul and Hardik Pandya, India had the luxury of finishing the game at their own pace. The English bowlers, visibly drained and lacking ideas, were merely hoping for a lapse in concentration from the Indian captain. But Rohit showed no signs of slowing down, methodically steering India closer to victory. The crowd, sensing an inevitable triumph, remained on their feet, cheering every run as India inched towards the finish line.

Also READ: Top 5 oldest debutants for India in the ODIs ft. Varun Chakravarthy

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