Ranking Rohit Sharma's top 5 Test centuries ft. 212 vs South Africa
In the last few years, Rohit Sharma has turned out to be one of the finest Test batters for the Indian team. After being overlooked in Tests for the most part of the last decade, Sharma figured out a method to succeed in this format. Since then, he has maintained consistency to provide brilliant starts to the Indian team.
In 60 Tests, Sharma has amassed 4,148 runs at an average of 44.60, with 12 centuries. Although, the 37-year-old made his Test debut in 2013, he couldn't become a regular member of the side. However, since the Border Gavaskar Trophy 2020-21, he has been a pivotal member of the Test team.
Notably, Sharma succeeded Virat Kohli as India's Test captain in March 2022. Under his leadership, India have won 11 out of 18 Tests, while drawing four of them. They also emerged as runner-ups in the World Test Championships 2021-23.
Through this period, Rohit Sharma has been a consistent run-scorer for the Indian team. On that note, let's take a look at the top five Test centuries by 'Hitman' in the longest format.
#5 176 vs South Africa, 2019
In October 2019, India met South Africa in the first fixture of the bilateral Test in Visakhapatnam. The Virat Kohli-led side batted first and got off to a sensational start with the help of the pair of Rohit Sharma and Mayank Agarwal (215). They added 317 runs together and registered the second-highest opening stand by an Indian pair in Tests.
Sharma drilled the opposition bowlers on a flat track and went on to hit 176 off 244 balls, as India declared on 502/7. Then, South Africa responded by scoring 431, with Ravichandran Ashwin taking seven wickets.
Sharma was imperious in the second innings as well, slamming 127 to help India set up a target of 395. The visitors crumbled under pressure and were bundled out for 191.
#4 177 vs West Indies, 2013
Rohit Sharma made his grand Test debut against West Indies in Eden Gardens in November 2013. The visitors decision to bat first did not beat fruit, as they were dismissed for 234.
In response, the home side were at the spot of bother at 83/5. However, Sharma got India back on track with his strong defensive prowess and stitched a 73-run stand with MS Dhoni (42). Thereafter, he employed a positive approach and went on to score 177 off 301 balls, with 23 fours and a six. Notably, he and Ravichandran Ashwin (124) uplifted India's score to 453, with their 280-run stand.
The second innings saw the Caribbean side bundle out for 168, as India won by an innings and 51 runs. Mohammed Shami finished with a total of nine wickets in the game.
#3 127 vs England, 2021
One of Rohit Sharma's finest centuries came against England at The Oval in September 2021. The Indian side batted first and managed to score only 191 runs, with Shardul Thakur (57) as the top-scorer. 'Hitman' was dismissed for 11 off 27 by Chris Woakes.
Thereafter, England responded with 290, and took a lead of 99 runs. In the second innings, Sharma played out the new ball well against the likes of James Anderson and Woakes. He then dominated spinner Moeen Ali to increase the team's tempo and confidence. The right-hander went on to score 127 as India put up a total of 466.
The home team were all-out for 210, as Team India won the game by 157 runs.
#2 212 vs South Africa, 2019
This game saw Rohit Sharma register his first and only double century in the longest format. In October 2019, India batted first against South Africa in Ranchi. Stuttering at 39/3, they got support from the pair of Sharma and Ajinkya Rahane.
The pair put on a clinical show to stitch a 267-run stand to put the team on the front foot. Terming it as his most challenging Test innings at that time, Sharma brought up his double century with a six towards the deep mid-wicket region.
Riding on Sharma's 212, India declared on 497/9. The bowling unit were terrific to bundle out South Africa for 162 & 133, and help India win by an innings and 202 runs.
#1 161 vs England, 2021
The 161-run knock against England in Chennai ranks as Rohit Sharma's finest Test knock. He applied himself better than all batters on a rank turner, with the opposition attack comprising Moeen Ali, Jack Leach and Joe Root, who got the ball to turn sharply.
Nevertheless, the right-hander carefully weathered the storm and chose the right balls to accelerate the team's score. Sharma slammed 161 off 231, as India managed to compile a total of 329, with Ali picking up four wickets.
Thereafter, England were bundled out 134, with local favorite Ravichandran Ashwin picking up five wickets. The talented spinner also hit a hundred to set up a total of 482 for the visitors; however, they were all-out for 164. As a result, India won the game by 317 runs.