In the world of cricket, T20 World Cup matches highlight exceptional players who consistently excel. India has produced many such stars in T20 cricket. They are known for their remarkable feats, like hitting six sixes in an over or securing victories with last-ball sixes in super overs.
Rohit Sharma stands out as one of the greatest T20 players. Since the first T20 World Cup, he has scored over 3800 runs in this format. Rohit has been a crucial player for India in both bilateral series and ICC tournaments. He holds the record for the most centuries in T20 cricket. With his presence in five T20 World Cups, Rohit has made a significant impact on Indian cricket.
Let’s revisit Rohit Sharma’s top five performances in T20 World Cups.
1. 79* (46) vs Australia, Kensington Oval, 2010
In a match against Australia, Rohit Sharma played one of his best T20 games, not just in the T20 World Cup. India struggled to chase 184 runs, starting poorly at 23 for four. Batting in the middle-order, Rohit Sharma stood out, scoring 79 runs, the highest among the top eight batsmen. Facing tough bowlers like Shaun Tait, Dirk Nannes, Mitchell Johnson, and Shane Watson, he hit six sixes and four boundaries, giving hope to fans. Despite his efforts, India couldn’t win as wickets fell regularly at the other end.
2. 74 (47) vs Afghanistan, Sheikh Zayed Stadium, 2021
In the T20 World Cup 2021, India didn’t perform well and didn’t reach the final stages. Rohit Sharma also faced challenges, except in the match against Afghanistan where he scored many runs.
Rohit, nicknamed the “Hitman,” scored 74 runs from 47 balls with a strong start. This was his second-best performance in the T20 World Cup. He hit eight fours and three sixes, leading a 140-run opening partnership. India won that game by 66 runs.
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3. 62 (55) vs West Indies, Shere Bangla National Stadium, 2014
In 2012, the T20 World Cup was held in Bangladesh. India, who won the first T20 World Cup in 2007, didn’t reach the knockout stage this time. It was the first tournament where Rohit Sharma started as an opening batsman for India, which boosted the team’s performance.
During the match against the West Indies, Indian bowlers performed well by restricting them to 129 runs. India comfortably chased the target, winning with seven wickets in hand. Rohit Sharma led the scoring with 62 runs, including five boundaries and two sixes.
4. 55 (33) vs England, R Premadasa Stadium, 2012
In the 2012 T20 World Cup, Rohit Sharma rejoined the team after not being in India’s squad for the 2011 World Cup win. In a match against England, India won by 90 runs. They bowled out the champions for only 88 runs.
Rohit Sharma scored the most with 55 runs, helping India reach 170 runs total. He hit five boundaries and one six against Steven Finn, Stuart Broad, and Tim Bresnan. This was a special performance for Rohit Sharma because he wanted to do well for India after missing the 2011 World Cup.
5. 50* (40) vs South Africa, Kingsmead, 2007
When Rohit Sharma was just 20 years old, he showcased his excellent batting skills during his debut in the first T20 World Cup. His opportunity came in the second match against South Africa when the top batsmen didn’t perform well. Rohit batted at number five.
He impressed everyone by playing remarkably against well-known bowlers like Shaun Pollock, Makhaya Ntini, Morne Morkel, and Vernon Philander. Rohit scored fifty runs in his first innings in any ICC tournament. His performance was crucial in helping India score 153 runs, leading them to victory over South Africa.
