Proudly known as the ‘Hitman’ of the Indian Cricket Team, Rohit Sharma fulfilled the desire of millions of people in India after winning the T20 World Cup 2024 on Saturday. Under his leadership, India stayed unbeaten throughout the competition and lifted their second T20 World Cup title after beating South Africa in the final at Barbados.
Rohit Sharma was the only Indian cricketer present in that squad who was part of the India 2007 World Cup winning side. He has been an integral part of the T20 team, ever since.
Over these years, Rohit Sharma has played some outstanding knocks in his T20 international career. His contributions in the ICC T20 World Cups have been unparalleled. Rohit might not have done justice to his potential with the bat for Mumbai Indians in the IPL but his contribution to the Indian Cricket Team in the ICC events has been phenomenal.
On that note, let’s take a look at the five best knocks of Rohit Sharma in the T20 World Cup history:
- 55 off 33 vs England in 2012 T20 World Cup
Rohit Sharma’s best knock in the T20 World Cup 2012 came against England in what was the 10th match of the tournament. Gautam Gambhir’s 45-run knock coupled with Kohli’s 40 off 32 had given India a great platform to capitalize.
And, it was Rohit Sharma, who came all out guns firing, providing a great finish. Playing at a strike rate of 166, Sharma hit five fours and one six during his outstanding 55-run unbeaten knock off 33 balls.
His knock propelled India to a formidable score of 170 in 20 overs, India, later, bundled England out for just 80 runs and won the game by 90 runs.
- 74 off 47 vs Afghanistan in 2021 T20 World Cup
India had a forgettable outing the 2021 T20 World Cup as they had begun their campaign with two back to back losses. Another win would have ruined their slightest of hope of reaching the next stage. However, Rohit Sharma had different plans.
The ‘Hitman’ produced a masterclass display of batting in the next match against Afghanistan. Along with KL Rahul, he powered India to 140 in just 14.3 overs before getting caught by M Nabi.
Rohit Sharma played a sensational knock of 74 runs in just 47 deliveries, which included eight fours and three sixes. His knock helped India post a massive score of 210 in twenty overs. Once again, the knock came in a winning cause as India won the match by 66 runs.
- 57 off 39 balls vs England, Semi-Final 2 in 2024 T20 World Cup
India clashed against England in the semi-final of the 2022 World Cup in Australia. The latter handed them a humiliating loss in front of a packed Indian crowd.
As fate would have it, the two teams once again took on each other in the semi-final of the, recently concluded, 2024 T20 World Cup and it was time for redemption. Skipper, Rohit Sharma was in no mood to give his wicket away easily.
The likes of Kohli and Pant got out cheaply but Rohit Sharma kept the pressure on the opposition by hitting boundaries at regular intervals. He blazed his way to 57 off 39 balls, which included six fours and two sixes.
Unfortunately, the Hitman got out on a crucial stage in the game off Adil Rashid but had done his job. India won the game by 68 runs in the end and progressed into the final.
2. 50 off 40 vs South Africa in 2007 T20 World Cup
Rohit Sharma’s half-century in the inaugural 2007 T20 World Cup is forever etched in the hearts of Indian fans. He played his first T20 World Cup in 2007 at just 20 years of age.
Skipper, MS Dhoni put faith in his abilities and he gave justice to that. Rohit played some vital knocks during India’s run to the title. His most important knock came against South Africa in the Super Eight clash.
In a vital encounter, India found themselves reeling at 33 for 3 when Rohit walked out to bat. He stitched a crucial partnership with MS Dhoni and helped the team reach a substantial score of 153 in 20 overs.
The young Rohit showed great temperament and scored his first-ever T20 international half-century. Much to the delight, that innings came in the winning cause as India won that game by 37 runs.
- 92 off 41 vs Australia in 2024 T20 World Cup
Australia needed to win the game against India in the 51st match of the 2024 T20 World Cup to keep their chances of reaching the semi-finals alive. However, the mighty Rohit Sharma was in no mood to let that happen.
The Indian came out all guns blazing and fired on all cylinders. He tore apart the Australian bowling attack, hitting shots all around the park. Rohit played a stellar knock of 92 runs in 41 deliveries, including seven fours and eight sixes at a strike rate of 224.39.
India posted 205 runs at the end of the first innings and, eventually, won the game by 24 runs.
