Rohit Sharma, India’s “Hitman,” has announced his retirement from Test cricket, leaving behind a legacy defined by unforgettable innings that shaped Indian cricket. From a dream debut century to commanding double hundreds as an opener, his Test career dazzled with elegance and resilience. Whether taming spin in Chennai or defying pace at Lord’s, Rohit’s knocks turned matches and silenced critics. As captain, he led with authority, but it’s his batting heroics that endure.
7 Most Memorable Innings of Rohit Sharma in Test cricket
212 vs South Africa (Ranchi, 2019)
This was Rohit Sharma’s maiden double hundred in Test cricket and his first Test as an opener, marking a pivotal shift in his red-ball career. It showcased his adaptability and ability to dominate in a new role. Played in the third Test of the series, Rohit’s 212 off 255 balls (28 fours, 6 sixes) dismantled a strong South African bowling attack, including Kagiso Rabada and Vernon Philander, on a pitch offering variable bounce. His innings helped India post 497/9 declared, leading to an innings-and-202-run victory, securing a 3-0 series whitewash. It earned him the Player of the Match award and solidified his reputation as a game-changer.
161 vs England (Chennai, 2021)
On a dustbowl Chennai pitch that spun viciously from Day 1, Rohit’s 161 off 231 balls (18 fours, 2 sixes) was a display of supreme skill, footwork, and patience against spinners like Moeen Ali and Jack Leach. After losing the first Test, India were under pressure. Rohit’s counter-attacking knock, with partnerships alongside Ajinkya Rahane and Rishabh Pant, gave India a 195-run first-innings lead, paving the way for a 317-run victory.
127 vs England (The Oval, 2021)
Rohit’s 127 off 256 balls (14 fours) was his first Test century outside Asia, silencing critics who questioned his ability in SENA (South Africa, England, New Zealand, Australia) conditions. On a seaming Oval pitch, against a formidable England attack led by James Anderson and Ollie Robinson, Rohit’s resilient knock, including a 153-run stand with KL Rahul, gave India a slender first-innings lead. His century set up India’s 157-run victory, their first at The Oval since 1971, and gave India a 2-1 series lead.
176 vs South Africa (Visakhapatnam, 2019)
In his first Test as an opener, Rohit’s 176 off 244 balls (23 fours, 6 sixes) on a flat Vizag pitch showcased his attacking flair and ability to capitalise on a new role. His 317-run opening stand with Mayank Agarwal (215) was India’s highest for the first wicket against South Africa, setting up a massive 502/7 declared and a 203-run victory.
120 vs Australia (Nagpur, 2023)
As India’s new Test captain, Rohit led from the front with 120 off 212 balls (15 fours, 2 sixes) in the first Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, setting the tone for a 1-0 series lead. Facing a potent Australian attack, including Nathan Lyon and Pat Cummins, on a spin-friendly Nagpur pitch, Rohit’s blend of caution and aggression, especially against spin, was masterful.
177 vs West Indies (Kolkata, 2013)
Playing his first Test at Eden Gardens, Rohit scored 177 off 301 balls (23 fours, 1 six), becoming only the 14th Indian to score a century on debut, announcing his arrival in Test cricket. Walking in at 83/4, Rohit’s 280-run partnership with MS Dhoni (82) stabilized India’s innings against a disciplined West Indies attack, including Shane Shillingford, leading to a total of 453.
83 vs England (Lord’s, 2021)
On a lively Lord’s pitch, Rohit’s 83 off 145 balls (11 fours, 1 six) in India’s first innings of 364 was crucial, showing immense discipline against Anderson, Robinson, and Mark Wood. His 126-run opening stand with KL Rahul (129) gave India a 27-run lead, which proved decisive in their 151-run victory, one of India’s greatest Test wins at the “Home of Cricket.”
