Rohit Sharma Joins Elite List of Indian Captains in 50th ODI Match

CUTTACK, India — Rohit Sharma reached a career milestone on Sunday, February 9, as he became the eighth Indian cricketer to captain the national team in 50 or more One-Day International (ODI) matches. The second ODI against England at the Barabati Stadium marked Rohit’s 50th match as India’s ODI captain, joining legends like MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli in this elite group.

In his 49 matches as captain prior to this landmark game, Rohit has led India to 35 victories, resulting in a win percentage of 70.00, the highest among Indian captains who have led in 10 or more matches. Dhoni, who captained India in 200 ODIs, remains the most experienced Indian captain, followed by Mohammad Azharuddin (174), Sourav Ganguly (146), Virat Kohli (95), Rahul Dravid (79), Kapil Dev (74), and Sachin Tendulkar (73).

Rohit Sharma, who is also India’s most successful captain in T20 cricket with 50 wins in 62 matches, is looking to build on his already impressive record. “Rohit’s ability to lead by example and make strategic decisions under pressure has been instrumental in India’s success,” said cricket analyst Harsha Bhogle. “His milestone today is a testament to his leadership qualities and the trust the team has in him.”

The 37-year-old captain, however, faces a challenging time with the bat. After scoring just 2 runs in the first ODI against England, Rohit will aim to regain his form and help India clinch the series. A victory in the second ODI would not only secure the series but also propel Rohit past Sourav Ganguly’s record of 97 wins in international cricket as captain.

Globally, Rohit’s 97 wins in 135 matches across formats place him among the most successful Indian captains. MS Dhoni remains the benchmark with 178 wins in 332 matches, followed by Virat Kohli (135 wins in 213 matches) and Mohammad Azharuddin (104 wins in 221 matches). Rohit’s journey from being inconsistent in the early years to becoming a cornerstone of Indian cricket highlights his resilience and adaptability.

As Rohit Sharma steps into this milestone match, the focus will be on his batting performance and leadership. With India aiming to seal the series, all eyes will be on the skipper to deliver both as a batsman and a captain.