Rohit Sharma surpasses Rahul Dravid in Team India's list of run-getters in ODIs
Team India captain Rohit Sharma has scaled yet another milestone in 50-over international cricket. The 37-year-old has surpassed Rahul Dravid's tally of runs (10889) for India in the format. He reached the milestone in the second of the three-game rubber against Sri Lanka at R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Sunday, August 4.
Only Virat Kohli, Sourav Ganguly, and Sachin Tendulkar stand above him. The right-handed batter began opening the innings in 2013 and his career took a different turn ever since. It has also been since opening the innings that the classy batter smashed three double-centuries, including a best of 264.
During the opening game of the series, the Nagpur-born cricketer also became the third Indian to pass 15000 international runs as an opener.
Rohit Sharma dismissed for a quick-fire 64 but India consigned to a crushing defeat
Rohit Sharma gave the Men in Blue yet another fiery start as the tourists are in pursuit of 241 against Sri Lanka on Sunday. The veteran reached his half-century off only 29 deliveries, but Jefferey Vandersay got the better of him.
Earlier, Sri Lankan captain Charith Asalanka won the toss for the second successive time and opted to bat first. The likes of Kusal Mendis (30), Avishka Fernando (40), Kamindu Mendis (40), and Dunith Wellalage (39) chipped in with invaluable runs for Sri Lanka. They helped lift their side to a competitive 240/9 in 50 overs.
Washington Sundar snared figures of 10-1-30-3, becoming the pick of the bowlers for Sri Lanka. The total proved to be a winning one as the hosts defended it in style. Jefferey Vandersay starred with outstanding figures of 10-0-33-6 to consign the Men in Blue to a 32-run defeat, going 1-0 up in the series.
It was also Asalanka's first win as captain across white-ball formats. The third and final ODI will take place on August 7, Thursday as India will look to level the series.