Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
Rohit Sharma sent out a timely warning ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup, smashing a sensational 72-ball century against West Indies in Guwahati to underline his enduring value in the 50-over format. His 35th ODI hundred came during India’s mammoth chase of 406 after West Indies posted 405/7, with Rohit once again producing a special innings at a venue where he has enjoyed a remarkable love affair.
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Rohit walked into the Guwahati ODI needing 73 runs to complete 12,000 ODI runs and reached the landmark in 282 innings, becoming the second-fastest batter to the mark after Virat Kohli. He then carried on his assault, reaching his century in just 72 balls, having earlier scored 32 off 35 in the series opener in Thiruvananthapuram.
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And when the hundred finally arrived, Rohit offered a celebration rarely seen from him. After reaching three figures, he pumped his fists into the air before breaking into a series of quick steps, visibly soaking in the moment. It was a far more animated celebration than the understated reaction that accompanied his historic Lord’s hundred earlier this year, when he simply removed his helmet and raised his bat.
The hundred was also another remarkable chapter in Rohit’s extraordinary 2026. Earlier this year, he scored 138 off 110 balls against England at Lord’s, becoming the oldest Indian to score an ODI century at 39 years and 80 days, surpassing Sachin Tendulkar’s previous mark of 38 years and 327 days.
GUWAHATI IS ROHIT’S HAPPY PLACE
There is something about Guwahati that seems to bring out the very best in Rohit. Before Wednesday’s innings, he had played two ODIs at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium and scored 235 runs, averaging 235.00 with a strike rate of 127.71.
His first appearance came against West Indies in 2018, when he smashed an unbeaten 152 off 117 balls, taking India to a comfortable eight-wicket victory while chasing 323. Rohit hammered 15 fours and eight sixes in that innings, while Virat Kohli scored 140 at the other end.
He returned to the venue in 2023 and produced another commanding performance, scoring 83 off 67 balls against Sri Lanka. India went on to post 373/7 and win by 67 runs. Across his first two innings in Guwahati, Rohit had therefore crossed fifty every time and had been dismissed only once.
ROHIT’S 2027 MESSAGE IS CLEAR
The timing of Rohit’s Guwahati hundred could hardly be more significant. Just days earlier, he had spoken about the unfinished business that continues to drive him in ODI cricket and made it clear that the 2027 World Cup remains something he is looking forward to.
“The thought will never cross my mind that the business I had is finished. As long as you’re playing, there is always something to look forward to. And I’m looking forward to the World Cup, looking at what lies ahead for me,” Rohit had said.
The 39-year-old had already made his intentions clear before the series, saying the thought that his cricketing “business” was finished would never cross his mind while he was still playing. Rohit added that he was looking forward to the 2027 World Cup, making his latest hundred particularly significant as India begin their preparations for the tournament.
The 2027 World Cup will be jointly hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia from October 4 to November 21. Rohit will be 40 by the time the tournament begins, but his recent performances have ensured that the conversation around his future remains firmly centred on what he can still produce rather than what he has already achieved.
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SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
