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STUMP VISION NOVEMBER 07, 2025 | The Indian Eye 45

ROHIT SHARMA

The Relentless Hitman Who Redefined

Indian Cricket’s Aggression

India’s modern batting icon reaches the pinnacle of ODI rankings and earns global praise

for transforming Team India’s fearless approach across formats.

OUR BUREAU
Dubai / Mumbai

ormer India skipper Rohit Sharma has
etched another golden chapter in his glitter-
Fing career, becoming the No. 1-ranked player
in the ICC Men’s ODI Batter Rankings for the first
time. The milestone comes after his spectacular un-
beaten century against Australia in Sydney, where
he led India to a commanding nine-wicket victory.
It’s a fitting reward for a player whose career has
been a blend of elegance, endurance, and evolution.
Rohit’s sublime 121* off 125 balls, laced with
13 fours and three towering sixes, was a master-
class in controlled aggression. Batting alongside
Virat Kohli, who scored an unbeaten 74*, the duo
revived India’s chase with a 168-run partnership
that reminded fans why “Ro-Ko” remains one of
the most formidable pairings in world cricket. For
a man who has held a place in the ICC top 10 for
nearly a decade, this long-awaited ascent to the top
is symbolic of his longevity and consistency. “It was
a fantastic partnership. We haven’t had a 100-run
stand for a while, and it came at a crucial time,”
Rohit said after the game. “We’ve played so much
cricket together, we understand each other well— Rohit Sharma (ANI file photo)
it’s about experience and knowing what’s needed
at that moment.” highest globally—while recording more fifty-plus growing all-format depth. The ripple effect of
The knock was a redemption of sorts after a dis- scores than any other team. His leadership style Rohit’s leadership is visible—whether it’s Axar’s
appointing outing earlier in the series. Following a balances calm assurance with bold innovation, emergence as a dependable utility player, or the
meagre 8 in Perth, Rohit bounced back with scores empowering players to take risks without fear of rise of young talents like Abhishek Sharma, whose
of 73 and 121*, showcasing both resilience and failure. “It has to be driven by the players,” Dravid fearless batting defined India’s undefeated Asia
adaptability. “I enjoy playing in Australia,” he said noted. “They are the ones who take those chances Cup campaign under Suryakumar Yadav.
later. “It was about batting deep and sticking to the in the middle, and Rohit has given them the confi- Rohit’s impact extends beyond numbers or
plan. Sometimes it doesn’t work out, but this was one dence to do that.” milestones. He has become a symbol of Indian
of those days when everything clicked perfectly.” Rohit’s achievement also reflects his remark- cricket’s cultural shift—from the patient accumu-
This innings wasn’t just about individual bril- able adaptability across formats. Even as his young- lation of the early 2000s to the audacious aggres-
liance; it was emblematic of the mindset Rohit er teammates like Shubman Gill and Suryakumar sion of today. His philosophy—rooted in trust,
has infused into Indian cricket over the past few Yadav surge into prominence, the 38-year-old con- experience, and calculated risk—has produced a
years. Former India coach Rahul Dravid, speak- tinues to reinvent himself. His ability to blend clas- generation unafraid to express itself. This is the
ing on Breakfast with Champions, credited Rohit sical strokeplay with explosive hitting has kept him same player who once struggled to cement his
for transforming India’s approach to the modern relevant in an era defined by high-tempo cricket. place in the team; now, he’s shaping its future.
game. “From the time I came in, we discussed More importantly, his innings in Sydney was a As India prepares for another season of
playing a more aggressive brand of cricket,” Dra- statement of authority—a reminder that experi- packed international cricket, Rohit’s return to the
vid recalled. “Rohit deserves immense credit for ence, when allied with hunger, can still dominate top feels poetic—a captain who dared to dream
pushing the team in that direction. Today, India is modern cricket’s fast-evolving dynamics. big, stumbled, rose again, and taught his team to
changing what T20 cricket looks like. Our batting While Rohit soared to the top of the ODI play without fear. Whether it’s an elegant drive
is off the charts—everyone’s looking at India now charts, his teammates also gained ground in the through covers or a towering pull into the stands,
and trying to catch up.” latest ICC rankings. Spinner Axar Patel climbed Rohit’s bat still speaks the language of dominance
Under Rohit’s influence, India’s collective six spots to 31st among ODI bowlers and rose to and belief. And in that fluent, fearless rhythm lies
strike rate in T20Is has surged to 148.53—third eighth in the all-rounder list, reinforcing India’s the heartbeat of modern Indian cricket.

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