Indian skipper Rohit Sharma smashed a sensational century against Afghanistan, breaking the record for most centuries in ICC World Cup history. His 7 World Cup hundreds now make him the leading century-scorer, surpassing legends like Sachin Tendulkar and Kapil Dev.
Rohit’s fiery 63-ball 100 powered India’s strong start chasing 273. Earlier, India’s bowlers restricted Afghanistan to 272.
New Benchmark of 7 World Cup Centuries
With his blazing ton, Rohit claimed sole possession of the record for most World Cup hundreds, with 7 to his name now.
He was previously tied with Sachin Tendulkar at 6 World Cup centuries but has now moved ahead of the batting maestro.
Fastest Indian to World Cup Hundred
Rohit’s quickfire 100 came off just 63 balls, making him the fastest Indian to score a World Cup century.
He broke the previous record of 72 balls held by the great Kapil Dev, a high-pedigree record to overcome.
Leading an Emphatic Chase vs Afghanistan
Rohit’s flawless hundred set the platform for India’s emphatic chase of 273 against Afghanistan.
Fellow opener Ishan Kishan contributed a brisk 47 in a 156-run opening stand before falling to Rashid Khan.
At 109*, Rohit continues to power India towards victory alongside Virat Kohli as they aim to boost their net run rate.
Analysis of Rohit’s Record Career in ODI Cricket
With sustained excellence over the years, Rohit Sharma has become a modern ODI batting giant for India. Some key figures:
- 9,778 ODI career runs including 29 centuries, only behind Virat Kohli among active players
- Average of 49.7 over 235 ODIs demonstrates remarkable consistency
- Scored 264 still stands as the highest individual ODI score in history
- Named ICC ODI Cricketer of the Year in 2019 after stellar World Cup
- His flexibility allows him to excel opening or in the middle order
Comparison to Other Batting Legends
Rohit’s World Cup record now exceeds even the likes of Sachin and Ponting:
- His 7 World Cup 100s surpass Sachin’s 6 and Ponting’s 5
- Also ahead of Sangakkara (5 tons), Warner (4 tons)
- Joins Sachin and Ponting among only players with over 500 World Cup runs
- Averages 67.2 over three World Cups, exemplifying his appetite for the big stage
Key to Success in the White-Ball Game
A few standout qualities make Rohit an all-time great ODI bat:
- Possessing an array of strokes all around the ground
- Using crease well to maneuver field settings
- Strong temperament to construct big innings
- Fitness and agility belying his age
- Tactical mastery managing tough phases
Rohit’s clean ball-striking, reading of game situations, and mental resilience make him a white-ball colossus. His ever-growing list of records stems from these foundational strengths.
Conclusion
With his record 7th ODI World Cup century, Rohit Sharma ascends to the peak of an exclusive club of batting legends. His sustained excellence across three World Cups stamps his credentials as an all-time great of white-ball cricket.
Rohit’s ability to conquer both opening and middle-order roles underlines his versatility. Along with Virat Kohli, Rohit will aim to guide India to more World Cup glory in 2023. His appetite for runs shows no signs of waning.
At 35, Rohit still has several years left to further his standing in ODI history. More World Cup feats likely await. But his record-breaking 7th ton has already sealed his legacy.
