Rohit Sharma has officially cemented his name among cricketing greats by becoming the fastest batter to surpass the 9000-run milestone as an opener in One Day Internationals (ODIs). This momentous achievement occurred during the India vs. Pakistan match at the ICC Men's Champions Trophy 2025 held at the Dubai International Stadium on February 23, 2025.
The Indian captain accomplished this feat during the early stages of the match when he scored his very first run, marking the milestone of 9000 ODI runs. By doing so, he joined the elite ranks of batting legends like Sachin Tendulkar, Sanath Jayasuriya, Chris Gayle, Adam Gilchrist, and Sourav Ganguly, becoming just the sixth player to achieve this remarkable milestone.
Sharma reached the 9000-run landmark within only 181 innings, eclipsing the previous record held by Sachin Tendulkar, who took 197 innings to achieve the same. During his innings against Pakistan, Rohit managed to score 20 runs off 15 balls, featuring three boundaries and one six before being dismissed by the impressive Shaheen Shah Afridi, who bowled a perfectly timed inswinging yorker.
Rohit’s career as an opener began back in 2011, but it wasn't until just before the 2013 Champions Trophy when he solidified his position. Since then, he has turned aggressive batting strategies and remarkable performances to his advantage, including stellar campaigns during the 2019 and 2023 World Cups. Last year, he was pivotal for India, amassing 597 runs throughout the 2023 tournament.
The match against Pakistan saw relentless efforts from Rohit as well as his teammates, contributing to India's bowling attack which saw Kuldeep Yadav flourishing with three wickets and maintaining pressure on their opponents throughout their innings. Speaking of his batting strategy, Rohit showed his adaptability by finding the boundary early, hitting both sixes and fours to announce his attacking intent, before being stumped back to the pavilion.
The match, filled with excitement and tension, was elevated even more when Kuldeep Yadav insisted Rohit make use of the Decision Review System (DRS) to challenge LBW decisions during the 41st over. After the referral, the outcome turned out to be Umpire’s Call, and Rohit humorously quipped to Kuldeep, "You're done for today, buddy!" This lighthearted exchange between the players showcased the camaraderie within the team, immortalized through social media where fans quickly rallied around the moment with memes and playful comments.
Despite the fun moments, the match wasn’t without its tensions and high stakes. Pakistan's batting lineup struggled against the disciplined bowling of the Indian team. They managed to score just 241 runs before being bowled out, partially thanks to Audiences were thrilled by the aggressive innings from the Pakistani batsmen but equally impressed by India's attack, which saw both Kuldeep and Hardik Pandya share five wickets between them, keeping the innings under control.
The game was not just about milestones and records but also highlighted the intense rivalry between the two cricketing nations. Fans were particularly invested, with opinions rippling across social media—many expressed their excitement at Rohit's accomplishments, and some even suggested his on-field banter should serve as the new DRS slogan for India.
Notably, Rohit Sharma's record as the fastest batter to score 9000 runs as an opener isn’t just about reaching numbers. It reflects his strategic prowess, remarkable skill, and tireless dedication to the game. With over 11,000 overall runs to his name, Rohit continues to thrive, having achieved multiple records throughout his career. His aggressive style and unparalleled mindset as he graces the pitch not only uplift his own performance but also inspires his team to chase after significant victories.
With the current stage set at the Champions Trophy, Sharma's impactful presence as a leader and his outstanding batting performances will certainly be watched with great interest as he aims to lead India to victory against fierce competition.