Mumbai blaster's third double century follows similar swift same pattern as the earlier two
If you are shaking your head in disbelief over Rohit Sharma's third double century in one-day internationals, then you shouldn't be considering the manner in which he crafted his last two double centuries (209 v Australia in 2013 and 264 v Sri Lanka in 2014). The Indian skipper did nothing 'extraordinary' in the second ODI against Sri Lanka at the Punjab Cricket Association IS Bindra Stadium here. In fact, it was a typical double hundred knock from Rohit.
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India captain Rohit Sharma takes the aerial route against Sri Lanka in Mohali where he slammed his third ODI double century yesterday. Pic/PTI
When he scored his maiden double hundred (209), Rohit consumed 114 balls for his century, but his next 109 runs came off in just 44 balls. During his epic 264-run knock at the Eden Gardens three years ago, Rohit scored run-a-ball 100 before adding 164 runs in just 73 balls. Yesterday was no different. After being watchful, Rohit took 115 balls to reach his century (9x4, 1x6) which came in the 40th over. His next hundred runs came in just 36 balls which included four boundaries and 10 sixes. Rohit plummeted 92 runs in the last 27 balls of his innings.
'Yes, it's similar'
Rohit explained the reason for following a similar format to score his double hundreds. "It is a very similar pattern that you will see… started off slow, then pick up the pace and accelerate in the end. That is only because, unless you make a mistake, you are not going to get out because you are set and you are seeing the ball well. Bowlers are trying to get away with their plans because things are not going their way. I analyse and talk to myself about it when I am batting. I feel after you get a hundred, batting will only get easier. I would say this year has been the best year as a cricketer," he said.
Iyer shines too
While Rohit radiated brilliance, his Mumbai teammate Shreyas Iyer's 88 off 70 balls almost went unnoticed. Rohit is a different breed of batsmen. When most batters take it easy after reaching the three-figure mark, Rohit turns into a beast, hitting top gear to scale the double ton peak. Rohit was in Stick Cricket mode yet again yesterday with no field placement able to stop him. Rohit said he banks on his strength rather than aping power-hitters: "I am not someone like AB, Gayle or MS… I don't have that much power. I have to use my brain to manipulate the field."
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