Ranchi, Nov 28: Rohit Sharma is closing in on a landmark reserved for Indian cricket’s finest. The former India captain is just 98 runs shy of the 20,000-run milestone and could become only the fourth Indian batter to scale the mark when the ODI series against South Africa begins on November 30 at the JSCA Stadium.
Across 502 international appearances, Rohit has amassed 19,902 runs — including 4,301 in Tests, 11,370 in ODIs and 4,231 in T20Is. Only Sachin Tendulkar (34,357), Virat Kohli (27,673) and Rahul Dravid (24,064) have crossed 20,000 runs among Indians, placing Rohit on the brink of joining a distinguished group.
Having retired from T20Is after the 2024 World Cup and stepped away from Test cricket earlier this year, the Mumbai batter now features exclusively in ODIs. Following the South Africa tour, he is expected to turn out in the home series against New Zealand as well.
Rohit enters the series in fine rhythm, having struck a superb unbeaten 121 against Australia in Sydney — a knock studded with 13 fours and three sixes — to help India salvage the final ODI of a 2-1 defeat.Virat Kohli, also now an ODI-only player, will return alongside Rohit as India look to regroup after a bruising 2-0 home Test loss to South Africa earlier this week. With form and confidence at stake, the upcoming ODI leg offers both stalwarts a chance to steady India’s campaign. As India seek a measure of stability after a turbulent week, Rohit’s chase of yet another milestone adds a layer of intrigue to the Ranchi opener. A landmark within touching distance, form on his side, and responsibility resting heavy on experienced shoulders. (Agencies)
