"Some things are meant to be with you": Rohit Sharma on his private century celebration
Rohit Sharma explains why he kept his century celebration private after India's historic 406-run chase against West Indies in Guwahati.
In a display of pure batting dominance, former Indian captain Rohit Sharma achieved a historic milestone in Guwahati, but it was his unconventional approach to celebrating the moment that caught everyone's attention. After smashing a brilliant century against the West Indies, Sharma revealed that his choice to keep the celebration personal was a deliberate decision.
During the second ODI on Wednesday, Rohit reached his milestone in just 72 balls, marking the moment with a celebratory hopping jog and a punch in the air. When asked about the gesture, the veteran batter explained his philosophy on personal achievements.
"I'll keep that celebration to myself. Some things are just meant to be with you, and it's not to be shared. So that was for me," Rohit Sharma remarked.
A historic chase in Guwahati
The Indian team produced a monumental performance to chase down a massive target of 406 against the West Indies. The hosts reached the total in just 43.3 overs, making them only the second team in ODI history—after South Africa—to successfully chase a target exceeding 400 runs.
The record-breaking chase was fueled by a massive opening stand between Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill. The duo added 255 runs for the first wicket, narrowly missing the Indian record of 258 set by Sachin Tendulkar and Sourav Ganguly in 2001. The partnership effectively sealed the game for India.
The batting onslaught: Gill and Sharma shine
The West Indies bowling attack had little answer to the onslaught from the Indian top order. The key contributors included:
- Shubman Gill: A breathtaking 223 runs off 133 balls, featuring 26 fours and 8 sixes.
- Rohit Sharma: A fluent 101 runs off 75 balls, including 10 fours and 6 sixes.
Rohit credited the pitch conditions and the mental approach of the team for the success. He noted that the batsmen focused on the merit of each ball rather than letting the daunting scoreboard influence their decision-making.
No sliding or jumping for Rohit
Despite the high energy on the field, Rohit humorously dismissed suggestions from teammate Ravindra Jadeja regarding how to celebrate the milestone. Jadeja had reportedly encouraged him to engage in more flamboyant celebrations, such as sliding or jumping on the turf.
"He wanted me to slide and jump and celebrate, but after fifty overs of fielding and batting so much, I was never going to do that," Rohit joked.
Reflecting on the partnership, Rohit praised Gill's composure, stating that seeing the skipper remain unbeaten was a testament to the intense concentration required during such a high-stakes chase. He emphasized that the top order understood their responsibility to provide a strong foundation, which ultimately turned the game in India's favor.