Rohit Sharma’s classy 73 off 97 balls lit up Adelaide as he rebuilt India’s innings with Shreyas Iyer after a shaky start. His knock earned a standing ovation and saw him become the first Asian to hit 150 sixes in SENA nations.
The Adelaide Oval rose to its feet on Thursday as Rohit Sharma, India’s ‘Hitman’, crafted a gritty 73 off 97 balls to anchor India’s innings after a shaky start in the second ODI against Australia. The vice-captain’s knock, laced with seven fours and two sixes, was a blend of patience, timing, and pure class — a statement of composure under pressure.
India had stumbled early after Xavier Bartlett’s fiery spell dismissed both Shubman Gill (9) and Virat Kohli (0) in quick succession. But Rohit, calm as ever, steadied the innings and rebuilt alongside Shreyas Iyer in a crucial 100-run partnership that brought India back into the contest.
The opener brought up his 59th ODI fifty off 74 balls with a gentle clip off Cooper Connolly to long-on, drawing loud cheers and a standing ovation from the Indian fans in the stands. His celebration was subdued — a simple bat raise and nod — but the emotion behind it was unmistakable.
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Kohli’s rare failure shocks fans
In stark contrast, Virat Kohli endured a nightmare return to Adelaide — a venue that has otherwise witnessed some of his finest innings. The star batter fell for a four-ball duck to Bartlett, registering back-to-back ODI ducks for the first time in his illustrious career. The dismissal left fans stunned, especially considering Kohli’s stellar record at the venue, with two centuries in four previous innings.
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Partnership with Shreyas steadies the ship
At 15/2, India were in trouble. But Rohit found a dependable ally in Shreyas Iyer, who matched his skipper’s calm with some crisp drives through the off side. Iyer brought up his 23rd ODI half-century off 67 balls, driving confidently through the gaps and rotating the strike effectively. Their partnership was a masterclass in rebuilding — measured risk-taking, sharp running, and controlled aggression.
The crowd in Adelaide — split between yellow and blue — erupted when the pair crossed the 100-run mark, recognizing the significance of the stand.
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Rohit’s fifty wasn’t just another mark of form — it was historic. With his two towering sixes, he became the first Asian batter to hit 150 sixes in SENA (South Africa, England, New Zealand, Australia) countries. Only Chris Gayle stands above him among overseas players — a testament to Rohit’s longevity and dominance across conditions.
Rohit falls to Starc, Adelaide applauds
The end came unexpectedly. In the 30th over, Mitchell Starc delivered a short ball on the hips — not one that screamed “wicket delivery.” Rohit went for his signature pull, but the ball came off the lower part of his bat, flying flat to Josh Hazlewood at fine leg. Starc broke into a grin; Rohit stood momentarily in disbelief. As he walked off, head slightly bowed, Adelaide rose in unison — a standing ovation befitting a champion who had weathered the storm and given India hope.
At the end of the 30th over, India were 137/3. Shreyas remained unbeaten on 51 off 68 balls, while Rohit’s composed 73 (97b 7×4 2×6) showcased both patience and power.
Fans flood social media with ‘Hitman is back’ memes
Social media was flooded with admiration and emotion. Memes, tributes, and edits celebrating Rohit’s fighting knock poured in. One viral post read: “Rohit doesn’t need time to adjust — the pitch needs time to adjust to him.” Another joked, “Kohli ducks, Rohit strikes — balance restored in the universe.”
Cricket fans also pointed out the irony that Hitman’s calm knock came in the very venue where Kohli once scored one of his most famous World Cup centuries.
Australia, who won the toss and chose to bowl, introduced Alex Carey and Xavier Bartlett in place of Josh Philippe and Nathan Ellis. The visitors lead the three-match series 1-0 after a dominant win in Perth, and Rohit’s resurgence may be exactly what India needs to stay alive in Adelaide.
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