India Coach Gambhir Applauds as Captain Rohit Smashes 32nd ODI Ton!

Captain Rohit Sharma roared back to form with a scintillating 119, leading India to a dominant four-wicket victory over England in the second ODI at Barabati Stadium. His masterful 32nd ODI century, studded with 12 fours and seven sixes, along with key contributions from Shubman Gill (60), Shreyas Iyer (44), and Axar Patel (41), helped India chase down 305 with ease, sealing an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.

For Rohit, this knock was more than just a century—it was a statement. With the Champions Trophy looming, his return to peak form must have been a huge relief for Indian cricket. The captain was at his fluent best, showcasing exquisite wrist work, effortless timing, and powerful stroke play, thrilling the packed crowd.

Chasing 305, Rohit got off the mark with a streaky edge over backward point but quickly found his rhythm. He flicked Gus Atkinson for a six and carved Saqib Mahmood for another maximum, setting the tone for India’s chase. At the other end, Gill was elegance personified, playing his signature short-arm jabs and flicks to keep the scoreboard ticking.

A 35-minute floodlight failure momentarily halted India’s momentum, but Rohit resumed in grand fashion, glancing Mahmood for four and launching a six over long-on. He raced to a 30-ball fifty with a flurry of boundaries, dominating England’s attack. Gill, equally impressive, brought up his 15th ODI fifty, ensuring India stayed on course.

Their 136-run opening stand was broken when Overton cleaned up Gill with a perfect yorker. Soon after, Rashid’s sharp turn caught Virat Kohli’s edge, sending him back for just five. But Rohit remained unfazed, sweeping Rashid for four and bringing up his century in style—dancing down the track to loft the leg-spinner over mid-off for six.

Rohit’s innings ended on 119 when he miscued a full toss to short mid-wicket, but the damage was already done. Iyer and Axar steadied the chase, though a mix-up led to Iyer’s run-out for 44. A few quick wickets followed, but Axar (41) and Jadeja (16) ensured India crossed the finish line with ease.

Earlier, England posted 304 in 49.5 overs, thanks to solid knocks from Joe Root (69), Ben Duckett (65), and Liam Livingstone (41). However, Ravindra Jadeja’s brilliant 3/35 kept their scoring in check as England lost their last seven wickets for just 85 runs.

Despite England’s total, Rohit’s breathtaking century tilted the game in India’s favor, proving why he remains one of the most dangerous openers in world cricket.