Rohit Sharma's unusual celebration after reaching his century against West Indies has become one of the talking points from India's remarkable second ODI victory in Guwahati.
Rohit completed his 35th ODI century in 72 balls as India successfully chased a target of 406 runs against West Indies. After reaching the milestone, he performed a distinctive high knee style celebration while completing a run. The gesture immediately attracted attention because it was different from the celebrations usually associated with the experienced Indian batter.
However, Rohit chose not to explain what the celebration meant to him.
Speaking after India's eight wicket victory, Rohit said that he wanted to keep the celebration for himself. He indicated that the gesture had a personal meaning and that he did not want to share the reason publicly. His comments added to the curiosity surrounding the unusual moment.
Rohit's century was part of an outstanding batting performance in one of India's most notable ODI run chases. He scored 101 runs from 75 balls, including 10 fours and six sixes, before being dismissed by Jayden Seales. His innings came at a crucial stage of the chase and provided India with an excellent start alongside Shubman Gill.
The opening pair added 255 runs for the first wicket, putting India in a commanding position against a West Indies total of 405 for seven. Gill eventually remained unbeaten on 223 from 133 balls, while India reached 406 for two in 43.3 overs.
The victory gave India their second successful chase of a target of 400 or more in men's ODI cricket. It also helped India take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three match series against West Indies.
For Rohit, the match was significant beyond his century. During his innings, he crossed the 12,000 run mark in ODI cricket. According to the International Cricket Council, he became only the seventh batter overall and the third Indian after Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli to reach the landmark. He achieved the milestone in his 291st ODI appearance.
The century was also another milestone in Rohit's long ODI career. At 39, he became the oldest Indian batter to score an ODI century, according to the ICC's match report. His latest hundred took his ODI century tally to 35.
Rohit and Gill's partnership was particularly important because India faced a target that required an aggressive approach from the beginning. West Indies had posted 405 for seven, their highest total in men's ODI cricket. John Campbell, Shai Hope and Amir Jangoo all scored centuries for the visitors.
Despite the size of the target, Rohit said that he and Gill did not allow the scoreboard to dominate their approach. Instead, they focused on playing each delivery according to its merit and building partnerships. Their 255 run opening stand gave India the platform required for the chase.
Gill then continued his innings after Rohit's dismissal and produced an unbeaten double century. His 223 from 133 balls became the fastest double century in men's ODI cricket, while also becoming the highest individual score in a successful ODI chase.
Rohit also revealed that Ravindra Jadeja had asked him about the unusual celebration after the match. According to Rohit, Jadeja had even suggested a more elaborate celebration involving a slide and a jump. Rohit said he rejected the idea because of the physical demands of spending a long period on the field before batting for a significant part of the chase.
The reason behind Rohit's high knee celebration therefore remains undisclosed. While the unusual gesture generated considerable interest among viewers and fans, Rohit has made it clear that he considers its meaning personal.
The focus of the match, however, remained India's historic chase and the performances of Rohit and Gill. Rohit's 101 and Gill's unbeaten 223 helped India complete the 406 run chase with 39 balls remaining, giving the team a comprehensive eight wicket victory.
Rohit's performance also added another milestone to an ODI career that has already produced several major records. His 12,000 run achievement, 35th ODI century and partnership with Gill made the Guwahati match another significant chapter in his international career.
For now, the mystery surrounding the celebration remains exactly that. Rohit Sharma has chosen not to reveal what the gesture meant, saying that some moments are meant to remain personal.
3 Line Content:
Rohit Sharma scored 101 from 75 balls and completed his 35th ODI century against West Indies in Guwahati.
He celebrated the milestone with a unique high knee gesture before continuing India's 406 run chase.
Rohit later said the celebration had a personal meaning and that he preferred not to reveal it.
