In frame: India opener Rohit Sharma. (File Photo)
Indian swashbuckling opener Rohit Sharma recalled his maiden ODI double hundred against Australia and stated that a player always wants to perform better against the five-time world champions.
“I know it was an important series for us, I had just started opening the batting for India. We had played the Champions Trophy and then we toured West Indies. After these two, we played the series against Australia. It was a good challenge for me to face this team. You always want to perform well against Australia. During Jaipur ODI, Yuvraj Singh told me that I have a good opportunity to show my skills and score big hundreds,” Rohit said during a live chat on Instagram with teammate R Ashwin.
Watch the knock:
Rohit added that the series against Australia in 2013 was a tough contest. “Australia never gives up easily, they go an extra mile to win the match. It was a hard-fought series, Bengaluru ODI was the decider for us. I never thought I will score 200 in an ODI. The pitch was flat and the ball was coming easily on the bat. There was a halt due to the rain and it was my responsibility to score the runs as Shikhar (Dhawan) and Virat (Kohli) were dismissed cheaply.”
Rohit further acknowledged MS Dhoni’s support, saying that the former India skipper kept guiding him throughout his match-winning knock.
In 2013, Rohit became the third batsman after Sachin Tendulkar and Virender Sehwag to breach the 200-run mark in 50-over format. The right-handed batsman since then has added two more double tons, thus making him the only cricketer to do so in this format.
Rohit has so far featured in 40 ODIs against the Aussies and has added 2208 runs under his name. His performance against Australia include eight centuries and an equal number of half-centuries, making it his best show against any side.
Watch the Insta Chat:
The Mumbai Indians skipper also revealed he is often late to reach the breakfast table in the morning during the IPL. Rohit said he likes to get 9-10 hours of sleep which is the reason why he is late to the breakfast table.
Heaping praise on his former Mumbai Indians coach Ricky Ponting, the skipper said that the former Australian batsman is from another planet and knows how to bring out the best in everyone.
“I feel Ponting is a guy from another planet. He knows how to bring out the best in someone. He has won two World Cups for Australia. So he knows how to win Championships,” Rohit said.