Rohit Sharma becomes the 5th Indian cricketer to play 500 international matches

During the first ODI match between India vs Australia at the Optus Stadium in Perth, Rohit Sharma became the fifth Indian cricketer to play 500 international matches. In this elite group, he joins Rahul Dravid, MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli, and Sachin Tendulkar. In addition, Rohit made his first appearance in ODI cricket since he helped India win the ICC Champions Trophy final in Dubai in March 2025.

Across 499 matches before this game, Rohit scored 19,700 runs at an average of 42.18, with 49 centuries and 108 half-centuries, including a career-best score of 264. In ODIs alone, he has accumulated 11,168 runs in 273 matches at an average of 48.76 and a strike rate of 92.80, with 32 centuries and 58 fifties. Rohit needs just 54 more runs to surpass Sourav Gangulyâ€s 11,221 ODI runs and become Indiaâ€s third-highest run-scorer in the format.

He is also just three centuries away from completing 20,000 international runs and would become the 14th player and only the fourth Indian to reach that milestone. With 49 international centuries so far, Rohit is one century short of his 50th, a feat achieved by only nine cricketers in history, including two Indians, Sachin Tendulkar (100) and Virat Kohli (82).

Sunday spoiled: Rohit Sharma fails on ODI return in Perth

Rohit Sharmaâ€s return to ODI cricket after seven months ended in disappointment as he was dismissed for just eight runs during Indiaâ€s first ODI against Australia at Optus Stadium, Perth, on October 19, 2025. His dismissal, along with Virat Kohliâ€s eight-ball duck, drew strong criticism from Indian fans online.

The much-hyped comeback of the veteran duo turned sour early in the innings. Rohit edged a Josh Hazlewood delivery to the second slip after scoring eight off 14 balls, while Kohli was caught at backward point without scoring. Both players, who retired from Tests and T20Is but aim to feature in the 2027 ODI World Cup, failed to make an impact in their return to international action. Captain Shubman Gill also managed only 10 off 18 balls, underlining the teamâ€s lack of preparation. 

“All the hype goes downâ€: Fans criticize Kohliâ€s early wicket and Rohitâ€s low-score return

Rohit Sharmaâ€s early dismissal received a lot of reactions from fans on social media. Many pointed out the lack of match practice as a major reason behind their struggles, noting that both had been away from international cricket for months. Many expressed anger at the way he got out, while some used humor to comment on the situation.

One fan wrote, “Happy Retirement Rohit Sharma,†while another joked, “Rohit sacrificed his wicket so that fans can watch Virat Kohli. Most selfless cricketer of all time. RO-KO.†Others criticized his technique and performance, saying, “Rohit Sharma looked so ugly in his short innings & got out playing a nothing shot†and “Never seen Rohit Sharma look so uncomfortable playing white ball in recent years. Ended up throwing his wicket, unfortunately.â€

Some fans tried to be more supportive, tweeting, “Rohit 0 saal tak upcoming talent tha. Sabr karo bhai,†highlighting his long career and urging patience. Others sarcastically summed up the teamâ€s struggles: “Rohit on 8, Virat Kohli on 0, and Shubman Gill on 10, go out. What a great comeback and performance from all the players. The Indian cricket team is waving slowly.â€

FAQs

Q. Is Ravindra Jadeja dropped from India’s ODI squad?

A. Yes, Ravindra Jadeja was recently removed from India’s ODI team.

Q. What prevents Jasprit Bumrah from participating in ODI 2025?

A. Jasprit Bumrah has been rested for the ODI series against Australia, confirmed by the BCCI.

Q. Who is the current ODI captain of India?

A. India’s current ODI captain is Shubman Gill.

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