Rohit Sharma Makes History By Breaking Sachin Tendulkar's Record
Indian Captain Achieves 9000 ODI Runs Faster Than Any Other Opener
During the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy match against Pakistan on February 23, 2025, at Dubai International Stadium, Rohit Sharma became the fastest opener to reach 9000 runs in One Day Internationals (ODIs), breaking the long-standing record set by legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar. Sharma reached this milestone with his very first run of the match, officially crossing the mark during India’s thrilling chase of 242 runs.
The 37-year-old Rohit Sharma joined the elite group of openers who have surpassed 9000 runs, which includes notable legends like Tendulkar (15,310 runs), Sanath Jayasuriya (12,740), Chris Gayle (10,179), Adam Gilchrist (9,200), and Sourav Ganguly (9,146). What makes Rohit's achievement particularly remarkable is the swiftness with which he reached the milestone—181 innings, compared to Tendulkar’s 197 innings, who previously held the record for the fastest.
Sharma's record-setting game saw him scoring 20 runs before Shaheen Afridi dismissed him. Rohit’s performance was not only significant for his individual accolades but also for the historical aspect of the match. Achieving 9000 runs solidifies his place among the greats of ODI cricket, which has seen many ups and downs throughout his career. He struggled initially when batting for India, primarily batting from the middle order, but under the guidance of former captain MS Dhoni, he was repositioned to open. This change proved transformative, allowing him to truly showcase his batting prowess.
Rohit also became the second fastest player overall to reach 11,000 runs earlier this week, achieving the mark in 261 innings, with only Virat Kohli reaching it faster (with 222 innings). It’s worth noting this is not the only record Sharma has his eyes set on; he is on the verge of breaking another significant ODIs record, as he needs just 14 more sixes to surpass Shahid Afridi’s record for most sixes hit (351). Currently, Rohit holds 339 sixes, establishing his place as the game’s leading six-hitter.
Despite this remarkable accomplishment, Rohit’s achievements were part of a broader contest. During the match against Pakistan, they couldn’t capitalize on their batting-first strategy, posting only 241 runs. With Kuldeep Yadav taking three wickets, India’s bowling lineup successfully dismantled Pakistan’s batting order, firmly holding the upper hand. The early dismissal of Rohit didn’t dampen India’s spirit, and it served as just another step in their pursuit of cricketing glory.
Rohit’s 44 centuries as an opener across formats is only outdone by Tendulkar who has 45 and Warner with 49, but Rohit’s consistent performance and ability to thrive under pressure keep him afloat in conversations about the greatest odi players of all time. The completion of 9000 runs is not merely about the numbers; it signifies dedication, skill, and the passion for cricket.
Looking at the statistics, Rohit Sharma’s career continues to shine, boasting more than 15,000 runs as an opener across all formats, placing him seventh on the all-time list. These achievements speak volumes about his dedication and work ethic, both of which are laudable for aspiring cricketers worldwide.
His ability to adapt, evolve, and perform consistently has made him one of the modern-era batting greats. On February 23, 2025, when Rohit scored his first run against Pakistan, it did not just mark the crossing of another milestone; it represented the culmination of his relentless pursuit of greatness and his capacity to challenge and surpass the standards set by those before him. This achievement resonates with fans, players, and analysts alike, making Rohit Sharma's mark on cricket indelible.